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In This Issue:
A group of OR assistants who were recognized for their commitment to BWH following the earthquake in Haiti.
In the days that immediately followed the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, BWHers joined forces to put together emergency supplies to ship to Haiti. For 26 OR assistants, all natives of Haiti, the best way they could help was to come to work, despite not knowing the fate of their families and friends back in Haiti.
"I couldn't just sit home," said OR Assistant Marie Gaston. "Helping our patients here at the Brigham was my way to say 'thank you' to those helping my people back in Haiti."
On Sept. 28, Gaston and her colleagues were honored during a breakfast celebrating the contributions OR assistants make everyday in ensuring operating rooms are clean and patients are safely transported to and from surgery. The department gave special recognition to all 26 Haitian members who came into work that day and the days that followed the earthquake.
"I can't imagine the pain they were experiencing, but they showed tremendous dedication and commitment to helping people in need," said Toni Kimble-Brooks, OR assistant supervisor, who handed out Outstanding Recognition Awards to the 26 team members.
The Operating Room assistants also recognized and presented gifts to OR staff who traveled with relief organizations to Haiti, as well as to representatives from other hospital departments, including Human Resources and Chaplaincy, who supported the staff emotionally during the weeks that followed the earthquake. They also gave a special thanks to Joan Vitello, RN, executive director of Perioperative Nursing and Clinical Services, and their colleagues for their continuous support.
During the breakfast, staff said a prayer for the many Haitians still struggling. "We ask that you don't forget, and keep Haiti in your prayers," said Gaston.
Following the prayer, a member of the department, Jean Dupont, sang the Haitian national anthem.
OR Assistant Isme Presume delivered the keynote message and brought tears to almost everyone in the room when he said that his mother died during the earthquake.
"It's a tremendous pain you feel," said Presume, whose teenage son moved from Haiti to the U.S. to live with him after the earthquake. "But knowing that I can count on your support, it's something I cannot express with words. All I can say is 'thank you.'"