My mother and I brought my grandfather in to the ER at Hackettstown Medical Center for what we initially thought was a simple allergic reaction, but quickly turned into a life or death situation- and I give credit where credit is due that Tjasa (TJ) is one of the amazing souls that I give credit to him being home and healthy now. TJ has always been a reliable coworker in our times together in Newton Medical Center, but to be on the other side of her care and to receive it as a family member watching their loved one decline was a whole other experience.

From the moment we entered the ER, TJ was attentive in assessing my grandfather’s swelling throat and provided immediate intervention by calling in the ED provider to assess and treat the case. As the night went on, right when we thought things would get better and we would go home, things went from bad to worse- and TJ was there to prevent anything from reaching a deadly ending. My grandfather went from having improved throat swelling to sudden onset of facial, tongue, and throat swelling to where he was entering respiratory distress and becoming lethargic and confused. I ran to find TJ, and as soon as she was alerted, she jumped into action and called for all help possible into the room. She quickly gathered all the emergency equipment and medications, allowing my grandfather to be comfortable and pain-free as they intubated and stabilized him. Even after all was said and done, TJ checked on us through the night and morning until we got our bed in ICU, and checked on me as well to make sure I was okay through this scary time.

TJ stood not only by my grandfather’s side to ensure all safety measures were in place, that he was stable and that his life was being saved-- but also by my mother and I's side as we were outside of our element. To TJ- thank you for being our hero and the reason my grandfather is alive and at home, chopping wood like before. THANK YOU FOREVER.