Thank you. Two simple words that, as far as I am concerned, have never been conveyed with more sincerity. Thank you to you and the entire staff of 11E.

In the wee hours, my wife, E, and I first stepped onto the floor of Unit 1lE. About 12 hours earlier, like a bolt out of the blue, we had received "the" call, and I had been matched with a cadaver kidney. Despite having already been admitted, at the time we stepped onto your unit, I had not yet committed to the transplant, and my head was spinning. We checked in at the front desk and were shown to a room. Moments later, we met the first member of the 11 E family.

Jessie walked in and, with what I'm sure was a million-dollar smile under her mask, introduced herself. She quickly showed us around the room and then went on to give us an idea of what to expect over the course of the next several hours. She gave me a gown and shower linens and told me that I should shower and change. She also informed me that I'd have to take another shower before surgery in the morning. I recall Jessie taking vitals. I also recall that in my anxious state, I was bombarding her with questions. She answered those she could and deferred to others when appropriate.

After a sleepless night, being poked, prodded, and interviewed, we met Michael after shift change. When I find myself anxious, I've learned to disassociate and become an observer. As anxious as I was at this time, I found myself doing just that. I observed Michael coming into the room, noticing my wife sitting by the window and me in the bed. In a matter of seconds, it appeared as though he was able to "read the room" to determine how to communicate with us. While he took my vitals, I began to bombard him with questions.

I told Michael that I had yet to commit to the transplant and that I really wanted to speak with "the doctor" as soon as possible. At that point, Michael took a step back from being a nurse and became very human. Michael fully acknowledged my anxiety and, in a very respectful manner, made it clear that I, and I alone, had complete agency over this process. He said he'd see what he could do about putting me in touch with "the doctor", who he went on to identify as Dr. Krishnan.

Soon thereafter, now mid-morning, Michael entered our room and pointed to the room phone. He told me I should expect a call from Dr. Krishnan. He followed up about 15 minutes later and asked if the doctor had called. When I said he hadn't Michael said he'd check again and at about 9:30 a.m. Dr. Krishnan walked in and I was able to, after having all my questions answered, finally let go and commit to the transplant.

I was operated on in the early afternoon. Before I knew it, my new kidney and I were back in my room. I was groggy but conscious. I got to the room later in the day, and the first person I recall meeting was Karen, my first night nurse.

In retrospect, I've come to realize that the first night after surgery, patients receive additional observation. I was awake most of that night and each time Karen came in to check vitals, dispense meds or check urine output she took the time to check in to see how I was doing. She conveyed a warmth that is hard to describe. Never dropping her professional facade, she was always human. That meant a lot to me and was quite comforting.

Another shift change in the morning, I met Mandi. Like Jessie, Michael, and Karen before her, Mandi exhibited both professionalism and warmth. She, like every other nurse who attended to me during my stay, politely listened and remained present as I yammered on under the energizing influence of prednisone. I'm sure I was repeating the same stories over and over, but I never felt patronized once. Mandi also guided me through the general room service menu, and I owe her a debt for recommending the Asian vegetable stir fry; delicious.

Tobi attended to me that night. Her professionalism and warmth were coupled with a gentle authority that I found very comforting. The next several days passed in a blur. I was introduced to McKenna, who took care of us for the next three days. That night, Jamie introduced herself, and she stayed with us for the duration.

Colleen and Kul were with us on discharge day, and at various times, CNAs Rita and Jon also assisted in my care. Without exception, each of the people with whom we interfaced exhibited mastery of their job while, at the same time, exuding warmth and a sincere sense of caring. During my five days in your unit, I walked a total of 10+ miles. I walked over 200 laps at all hours of the day and night. During this time, I was able to observe interactions between staff and interactions between staff and patients. Again, and without exception, each of the dozens of interactions I witnessed illustrated your staff’s professionalism, warmth, and commitment.

I was most impressed with the turnover briefings that occurred with each change of shift. While on my walks, I was able to eavesdrop and had to, as a pilot, give your staff a very high rating for the manner in which these briefings were conducted. In a very short period of time, a large amount of accurate and actionable information was conveyed between staff, and its receipt was acknowledged. Having taken part in literally thousands of turnover briefings, I could not have done a better job myself.

Although I've focused my praise on the members of your staff who personally attended to me, I could tell that they were just examples of everybody who works on 11E. Each of your staff members is a star in its own sense, and they make up a wonderful constellation. But, in my opinion, the brightest star in your constellation is McKenna.

McKenna attended to both E and me, who was almost a constant presence, for three full shifts. During that time not only did she attend to her duties, but she seemed to always make time to connect with both E and me. She provided what I would refer to as "anticipatory care". By day two, she knew that I liked water without ice and in a white cup. She knew that I preferred linens over paper towels. She knew I liked to walk on my own, and she knew that whenever she entered the room, I would start yapping, unable to overcome the influence of the steroids I was consuming. Never once did she seem to be in a rush, and, to borrow a military term, she was the tip of the spear when it came to representing your staff and providing my care.

Joan, you've done something incredible. You have assembled a technically skilled staff made up of a very diverse group of men and women. These men and women seem to have developed a highly unusual esprit de corps that is almost impossible to find today.

I must credit this to your skill in assembling a remarkable team. There's a bulletin board on your ward that exhibits pictures of your staff. It refers to your staff as "family".

Today, filled with hyperbole, I've become numb to such language. But in this case, I don't think it could be any more accurate. You and your staff are truly a family, and as a patient on your ward, I can tell you that it makes a huge difference. So, once again, Thank you, two simple words conveyed with the utmost respect.

Thank you to you and your incredible family.