TBE Newsletter, vol. 2
It has been 2 years since Tom’s death, and we know you are still feeling his absence just as much as we are. The Bajo family traveled to Montana in July, where they rejoined with the kayakers and rescuers who were with Tom in his last moments. They were able to enjoy the beauty of a place Tom loved so much, celebrate his life, and appreciate what brought him joy.
Our endowment committee continues to meet quarterly, and with their great ideas, we have been able to expand the ways we can help our families. Our nurses and nurse managers continue to be the stewards of the program, identifying needs through their close relationships with families, many of whom are in our ICUs for months.
New in 2019:
In addition to the 5th floor med/surg ICU, we have expanded to the 4th floor trauma ICU.
We now “advertise” our endowment to families, with a display in each waiting room. The display features Tom’s photo and brochures in English and Spanish, where families are encouraged to ask a nurse if they have a need, or donate if they choose.
Through our partnership with the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown-Ballpark, we have been able to provide hotel nights with breakfast to several families.
In addition to our grocery/Target/gas cards, cafeteria vouchers, and hotel rooms, here are some wonderful, unique examples of help since we updated you last year:
A new carseat - baby was discharged before her postpartum mom was able to leave the ICU
A wedding in the ICU! Flowers, cake, decorations, and license, all provided by you.
New work boots and a gift card to Lyft, for a husband who had to sell his car, keep working, and pay for transportation to visit his wife in the ICU every day.
In August and September through our Better Together campaign, you can donate to many programs at Banner. If you have already donated - thank you! If you have not and would be able, to the left are the instructions for giving to the Tom Bajo endowment.
As one grateful family put it, “The ideals set forth by Dr. Bajo are alive and well in the ICU. We were very comforted by the loving kindness of the staff.”
Again, THANK YOU. Tom would love it.
