Today we attended the UCSF Patient Reunion Party …. where the amazing UCSF team gives of their lives …. to save lives ….
Irene poses with Bridget Mazzini (middle), R.N., who is the Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator. Bridget works closely with Dr. Damon. Today we met Helen Williams, another amyloid patient, who has just endured a stem cell transplant.
Irene poses with Helen Williams (right), and Linda Lotspeich & husband, Steve. Linda is also an amyloid patient who had a kidney transplant last August. Her stem cell transplant was in 2006. She’s off dialysis and doing great! Three amyloid patients in the same photo …. that must be a record!!
Irene poses with Dr. Lloyd Damon, who oversaw Irene’s stem cell transplant and continues to closely monitor her progress on the journey.
Irene is photographed, emotional and rejoicing, with Dr. Ai, who was instrumental during the challenging stem cell transplant process. The medical team’s wisdom and ability to navigate through such a critical time is nothing short of a miracle.
God used and continues to us all of these amazing, purposeful people from UCSF, to save Irene’s life.
We met Gerrie Shields today, who splits her UCSF administrative time between Mount Zion and the main campus.
Lisa Ramsey is and RN and the person who administered the stem cell transfusion. She is also photographed in the book, Irene’s Journey of Faith on the transfusion date, June 15, 2007.
UCSF celebrates the survivor victories with dancing and celebration ….!!
Approximately 75 cancer survivors celebrated with the UCSF Oncology Team.
Cathy Schroeder, a cancer survivor, was at one time in the room next to Irene. Cathy is now a retired nurse and was always busy in her room on her laptop computer!!!
Irene poses with John and Diane Bagatelos, and their daughter. John is a cancer survivor and was a former football coach/teacher. John was down the hallway from Irene during her May, June and July, 2007 UCSF hospital stay.
Irene poses with Saulee Lee, who was, at one time, Irene’s roommate at UCSF. Saulee is a cancer survivor and her gentle, caring husband, Walter, is photographed below with Irene and Dr. Kaplan.
Dr. Kaplan was a source of great encouragement to Irene as the medical team navigated through some arduous days and nights during the stem cell transplant process.
Cheryl Breed is an RN who attends Irene as an Outpatient in the Oncology Ward after her UCSF discharge. She works closely with Dr. Damon.
Nurse Cami attended Irene following the stem cell transplant process and was especially sensitive to Irene’s challenges. She was always a source of encouragement.
Nurse Yvonne and her daughter, Isabella. Yvonne is an RN and attended Irene during some of her most challenging stem cell transplant days. (July 11, 2007 update). Irene calls Yvonne her Irish Angel ….!!!!
UCSF had an amazing spread of food and drink on hand for the special event!! The only time I got into trouble today was when I kept indulging chocolate cookies from the three layered glass tray without using a separate, small plate and napkin. I was also grabbing cookies using my fingers instead of using the appropriate utensil. You can guess who “busted my chops” for being so uncouth ….!!!
We had an early dinner at a San Francisco waterfront restaurant, Louis’, near the Cliff House.
The ongoing, 24/7 work at UCSF continues to amaze us. There are a HUGE number of people not photographed today who are also part of the Irene “WIN” ….!!
Today’s Patient Reunion Party was a colossal spiritual and emotional lift!!
We’re eternally grateful for this committed, intelligent, compassionate, empathetic, and world-class team that is giving of their lives …. to save lives.
We celebrate THEM.
Dave
