Clarissa Lennox

April 4, 2006

Dear Dr. Schuster,

I want to thank you very much for being right about every step of the care of my husband Jim Lennox from the time you received him in the ICU from the ER, right through every step of the process of his dying. As I said to you many times, you certainly did the right thing by intubating, for no one knew the state of his body at that juncture. Well, at least Jim and I didn't. And, as you said, the renal failure might have been turned around.

You were so kind in every detail of explanation, both before he died (actually), during the family conference, and after he was gone, on the morning of the 18th of March. You were right to tell me not to go home the night of the 17th. I was in total denial, and at that point I was thinking he actually might come through this episode. Denial is a strong emotion, and I was in its firm grip. I am so grateful to you for that suggestion, for I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere but by his bedside all through that night.

You were so gentle in choosing perfect words to explain to Greg, Jeff and me the facts of Jim's situation, leading us slowly to understand the truth. We were so grateful, at that time of such harsh reality that we had to face, that you acted toward us in exemplary fashion.

I have enclosed a letter about Mark Gates, who was also exmplary. I have also sent a letter to Debbie Turk-Adams thanking her. At SWVTMC, the ICU is a very special place. We thank all of you for the loving care we received there, and in the ER from Dr. Cohen as well; also in December from Drs. Yucht and Silberstein.

Thank you again.

Sincerely yours,

Clarissa H. Lennox