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Dr. Tanya Trippett
All too often we take for
granted the kindness and commitment of, what are now, the most important
people in Nicole's life: The Doctors and Nurses.
I have been around the Medical profession my entire Life. My father was a
doctor. My mother was ill with M.S. for as long as I can remember, resulting
in ongoing contact with doctors and nurses for over 30 years. However, in
all this time I have never seen the level of commitment and caring displayed
by Dr. Trippett, and the other Doctors and Nurses at Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. When we first went to Sloan for treatment, we
hesitated because we worried that such a large institution would be cold and
impersonal. Fortunately, we found the exact opposite to be true.
Dr. Trippett’s credentials in the treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are
unsurpassed. In fact, she is considered one of the foremost authorities on
the disease in the country. She is always available to Nicole or to us,
never failing to respond personally. Thankfully, she has been aggressive
with Nicole’s treatment. Her “leave nothing to chance” mentality facilitated
the early discovery of Nicole’s reoccurrence, and subsequent surgery and,
thus far, successful treatment. Her communication with Nicole is like no
other doctor patient relationship I have ever seen. She speaks to her, not
above her, or at her. Nicole is the patient. Nicole’s opinions and reactions
are important to her. Dr. Trippett is also proactive with her progress in
school and in everyday life. You would expect that a Doctor would have her
office contact a school for permissions/restrictions etc. Dr. Trippett,
however, has gone above and beyond, personally calling the school on a
number of occasions.
The nurses on the 9th floor
pediatric day hospital are very special people. They witness many difficult
situations on a daily basis. In the year and one half of treatment, I have
yet to witness any nurse or hospital employee acting rude or abrupt. The
patience they display is truly remarkable. Special thanks to Connie for her
adept hands, that always seem to find a vein on Nicole; Theresa for her
spirit, and straight forwardness, and to Jen who, while busy, seems to
always find the time to talk gossip or clothes with Nicole. We would also
like to thank the nurses on the 9th floor pediatric in-patient floor,
especially Mary Eliza, for her unique skill at always finding the best of a
bad situation, and to Reese for knowing how to deal with Nicole when she is
not at her best, knowing full well she is getting under Nicole’s skin.
Nicole is the stronger for it.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering has a child life department, like nothing anyone
could imagine. It is not large, but has extremely hard working people who
have dedicated their lives to trying to bring happiness to the tortured
lives of children with Cancer. Amy, Trish and Terez all keep a positive
attitude, no matter what the situation. They make it their mission to make a
child smile especially when that child is facing discomfort, pain or
distress.
We appreciate the efforts of Lauren Kushner who has been extremely helpful
in facilitating all facets of her care and to Meredith Stone-Miller who has
shown wisdom beyond her years. She comforted Nicole and the entire family
through some very difficult times. We appreciate the fact that she never
forgets to think of asking about our son, Anthony.
Space does not allow for all the thanks for all the members of the
Sloan-Kettering team. We want them all to know that we appreciate them and
their efforts in helping our daughter. They are all wonderful people.
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