Thank _______

We are so thankful that Rowan’s meltdown happened here in St. Louis where the staff knows him so well.  I think to call it luck or chance or fate isn’t really fair.  Rowan is still alive because of the intelligence, experience, teamwork, and expertise of the staff at St. Louis Children’s.  Rowan is alive because of some very special people who were able to handle his rapidly failing body and save his life.  So often we say “thank goodness ________” or “we’re so lucky” but I think really, what we are, is grateful to the individuals. We wanted to thank them here.

Thank you to Yvonne and Tammy, Rowan’s nurses in the CICU who have pulled our little man through the shock he was in and taken amazing care of him.

Thank you to Drs. Oren and Duncan – the attendings we have to thank for the fact that our son is still here. They have actively helped Rowan rehydrate and recover from the scariest day we have ever had with him.

Thank you to Dr. Saini and the other fellows in the CICU for all that you have done, too.  From placing lines to checking gases, we are happy to have you caring for our son.

Thank you to Dr. Muenzer in the Emergency Room for your quick and confident managing of Rowan’s arrival in the ER and getting him into the CICU’s hands as fast as possible.  Also, we saw that you came up to the floor to check on him.  That was one of the many moments we’ve had in St. Louis where we have felt like our son was lucky to have such caring staff watching out for him.

Thank you Dr. Ambrose.  When we saw you walking down the hall in the ER, we both felt like Rowan was going to get the best care possible.  Seeing a familiar face and having you be honest (“he’s going to get intubated”) was very powerful in those scared hours when he first arrived.  The fact that you waited with us in the ER until Rowan got to the unit mattered so much.  Also, thank you for “awe”ing at Rowan’s dorky bunny rabbit picture. 

To Dr. Gazit who took care of Rowan even though you weren’t “on duty” in the CICU – thank you.  It’s always clear that you personally care about the children you take care of.

The list goes on. Aly, Amy, Brett, Paul, Nikki from respiratory, Shelly, Katie the Social Worker, Becky from Child Life (who has an awesome shoulder for crying on) and every single one of you who stopped by to see us and see Rowan – we’re so happy to see you again and to have Rowan under your wings.  We know that you all care about him and our family.  We talked when we were home about how the SLCH nurses/therapists/staff were the family Rowan knew best.  We think so highly of all of you and brag all the time to everyone ever about all of you.

And Becky Ortyl…our sons have GOT to stop trying to have playdates in the CICU. Here’s to getting them out of there so we can stop meeting like this! So nice to have a friend around though.  Someone to make inappropriate jokes with and be honest with makes all the difference. You’re the big sister I never had. You inspire me.

All of you are an important part of this story. You are an important part of our family’s story. You are all the reason we have hope that Rowan’s incredible month at home wasn’t the only one he’ll get.