MJ
Martha Jakubowski
5 days ago
This was my SECOND surgery, and I feel it is even more important to recognize just how incredible this entire team was—not just once, but consistently.
From the moment I arrived, through surgery, and into recovery, I was surrounded by people who truly care about what they do.
Dr. Michael Shumaker, my surgeon, and the entire operating room team were absolutely outstanding. Going into a second surgery can come with a lot of emotions, but I had complete confidence in their skill, professionalism, and teamwork. I am deeply grateful for the care and precision that went into my procedure.
I also want to recognize the entire surgical staff in the room that day. While I may not know every name, I know I was in the hands of a highly coordinated and dedicated team that ensured my safety and success.
Recovery was the most challenging part, especially when it came to pain control—but this is where this hospital truly showed its strength.
The recovery team worked hard to get my pain under control. They did not give up on me, and that matters more than anything. Pain after surgery is real, and having a team that continues to adjust, respond, and care makes all the difference.
A very special and heartfelt thank you to Mike Gemma, the anesthesiologist. What he did for me went above and beyond. He stepped in, advocated for me, and made sure my pain was taken seriously by speaking directly with the nursing staff. That kind of advocacy is rare, and it changed my entire experience. I will never forget that.
I also want to recognize the nurses and staff who made a lasting impact on me:
Patrick D—there are not enough words to thank you. You cared for me during one of my most vulnerable moments, and you did it with dignity, compassion, and zero judgment. What you did mattered more than you probably even realize, and I will never forget your kindness.
Patrick G and Anna—you both were phenomenal. Thank you for staying on top of my medications and helping keep my pain controlled. Your attentiveness, responsiveness, and commitment to my comfort made a huge difference, especially during the hardest hours when staying ahead of the pain mattered most.
Brooke—thank you for being part of my care and for communicating with the anesthesiologist to help improve my pain management. That effort did not go unnoticed and played a role in getting things where they needed to be.
Jessica from Physical Therapy—you were an absolute hoot. You made me laugh, kept me motivated, and somehow made physical therapy feel less intimidating and not nearly as rough as it could have been. That kind of energy is a gift, and it made a real difference in my recovery.
Valerie—your housekeeping and hospitality were truly exceptional. You did more than keep the room clean. You brought comfort into it. Your kindness, attention to detail, and warm presence made a huge difference in how I felt during my stay.
And to every single staff member involved—from the surgical team, to recovery, to physical therapy, to housekeeping, to those working behind the scenes—thank you. It truly takes a team to deliver this level of care, and it showed in every interaction I had.
Having now gone through this experience twice, I can confidently say this is a team that not only provides excellent medical care, but also treats patients with compassion, dignity, respect, and humanity.
That is something special, and it deserves to be recognized.
Thank you all for taking such wonderful care of me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Martha Jakubowski