I am writing this letter on behalf of my family, including my father who has had the opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time with both Wendy as well as the entire nursing staff of the Inpatient Rehab Dept. as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke he suffered on January 7. I am also writing this letter from the perspective of a former Aurora Employee, five years which were spent working "next door" to inpatient rehab. I'll admit that I was not very familiar as to what Inpatient Rehab entailed, their services, or any of the staff that worked in the department (with the exception of the miniature pony that everyone loved to watch and pet as it traveled through the department).

When my father suffered his stroke I remembered thinking that it would be wonderful if he would eventually be able to spend time in Inpatient Rehab, a goal that became a reality thanks in large part to the efforts of Wendy Hernandez. From day one, she has been one of my father's biggest supporters, cheerleaders, and an ongoing wealth of knowledge and resources. When my father finally progressed to the point of acceptance into Inpatient Rehab, it looked as if it may not happen due to insurance company roadblocks. Wendy was on the phone with the insurance company for days, including the hours leading up to his discharge and was able to get approval at the very last minute for his stay. I can't tell you how happy and excited we were to get that news!

Once he was transferred to rehab we were able to see the recovery that initially began in ICU really starting to progress. We can't begin to speak highly enough of the entire Inpatient Rehab nursing staff. Everyone was so kind, caring and patient which is a direct reflection upon the leadership that Wendy provides. My father was able to spend almost three weeks working with the staff and was then transferred to a local nursing home to continue his recovery. Wendy had told us that there was always the possibility of my father returning to Inpatient Rehab for more intense therapy if he was ever able to return home, an idea that I always kept in the back of my mind.

While my father was at the nursing home, he received a surprise visit one evening from Wendy, Alaina, Shelly & Emily. Nobody had asked them to do this, it was something they wanted to do on their own and it really made my father's day! He was able to return to Inpatient Rehab in mid-June, thanks again to the efforts of Wendy who took it upon herself to write a letter to the medical director of my father's insurance company to ensure approval for another 4 week stay in rehab. It was during this stay Wendy again came to our rescue when the home care agency that had agreed to care for my father suddenly said it was not possible. Wendy was able to secure another agency that we are very happy with!

Wendy has consistently addressed all of our questions, concerns, organized discharge plans/equipment and has been our go-to person. As my father often says, how can you thank someone for your life? I hope this letter will be a small way to express our appreciation and gratitude we will never forget all that has been done for us.