My son and daughter-in-law had premature twin boys, Gabriel and Blake, on Aug. 13 by an emergency C-section at another hospital. The boys were doing okay until Blake experienced extensive blood loss on the fourth day of his life. MedFlight was called, and I did not know if I would ever see my grandson again.

Each morning, several of my coworkers who were aware of what was going on told me, “Our prayers are with you and your family.” This concern lasted all of the days during which Blake was sick and trying to recover. Each day when I came to work, my coworkers would ask, “How is our little Blakey doing?” Parking staff, office workers, clinicians, Environmental Services staff and administration would tell me that Blake was in their prayers. One coworker told me that her 14-year-old son was saying the rosary for him. Another consoled me on a bad day, and another, a researcher and clinician, visited my son and daughter-in-law in the hospital and told them that he was there to help. Two senior doctors called me personally to ask if I had any questions and to learn the latest about Blake’s condition. One even offered to sit with us the night of Blake’s surgery, watch Blake’s siblings, food shop and walk the dog.

We got the great news that Blake was well enough to go home on his 44th day in the hospital. The outpouring of support showed how wonderful people are to each other in times of need. I am so much stronger, and I will never forget this moment in my life. Others’ kindness made all the difference in the world. Blake is now celebrating his fourth month of life, along with his brother, Gabriel. He smiles all the time. He has touched so many people at such a young age, and I have learned the power of receiving others’ smiles and encouragement and having faith no matter what.

Mary Cunniff
Administrative Coordinator, Department of Medicine

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