As a married father of eight kids, life in our Kenmore Tonawanda home can be hectic. So, when I was among the unfortunate ones to experience the wrath of COVID – twice, and pneumonia three times in two years – life became very difficult.

COVID and pneumonia damaged my lungs severely, resulting in 100% scar tissue. The scarring led to the need for emergency surgery, and I was put on supplemental oxygen. More recently, one of my twin five-year old daughters came home with RSV. With my compromised lungs, I became so sick that I couldn’t breathe. I was rushed to Kenmore Mercy Hospital and put on a ventilator in the ICU. From there, I went to the Medical Rehabilitation Unit (MRU) where I spent 10 days in recovery.

The MRU at Kenmore Mercy provides specialized recovery and rehabilitation services for patients after severe illness such as a stroke or heart surgery. I received coordinated care from a complete rehabilitation team of doctors, nurses, occupational and physical therapists. The high level of care was the key to healing so that I could return home to my family. Dr. Nadeem Hussain, Jean Wood MSN, RN, Nurse Manager of the MRU, and rehab staff Patrick Fino, Collene Graves, OT and Melissa Brammer, RN were absolutely amazing in my recovery process. That is why I want to recognize Dr. Hussain, the entire MRU team, and every caregiver at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

Please consider supporting Kenmore Mercy Foundation with a donation. To make a gift in honor of your caregiver, please visit their website at CHSBuffalo.org/Foundations, to make your secure donation online. Any and every contribution is appreciated. You, or someone you love, may have had a great experience with the caregivers at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, or one of their affiliated ministries. Share your story by filling out the Angel of Care form.

With our sincerest thanks,

Patrick McDonald