Letters of Appreciation: The Mount Sinai Hospital and the Birth of My New Son
Alanna Bonner, RN, left, and Arielle Sharpe, RN
“I thought I’d put together my and Kyle’s thoughts on the amazing people that we encountered at The Mount Sinai Hospital for the birth of my new son.
Arielle Sharpe, RN: She was super competent and had amazing, calming energy. I can’t believe she, herself, was 34 weeks pregnant! She made us feel instantly at ease and that we were in excellent hands. We were particularly nervous as this was our first child, and Arielle was the first person we interacted with at the hospital. The anxiety level went down immediately after interacting with her.
Alanna Bonner, RN, BSN: She took such good care of us in the thick of things. What an ideal person to have with you in the delivery room! As I was pushing, she was cheering me on and was so helpful throughout the whole process. My husband compared her to a coxswain in rowing, who is used to motivate people, and get the most out of them when they are truly exhausted—and I thought that was an apt comparison.
Emily Barasch and husband and son
Ruoru Huang, RN: We loved Ruo! She was truly so kind. On night one, as I was sleeping and Kyle, also running on zero sleep, was taking care of the baby, Ruo stepped in and took care of him for a few hours so Kyle could sleep too. It was crucial and so sweet of her! Kyle would later talk about this simple gesture as if Rou pulled him out of a burning building; she really saved him! She also just seems to love babies and clearly has a special way with them.
Miriam Polanco, RN: Miriam was our last nurse, and though admittedly the last bit of the hospital is slightly a blur, Miriam was so incredibly helpful getting us situated and had a really loving vibe.
Jessie Kempner, MD: Having her as my doctor was an amazing experience! She was so on top of it, an excellent communicator, and a comforting presence. She made sure we were very comfortable and attended to, and was overall just very lovely to have there.
My husband, Kyle, and I have always told our delivery story with the most sincere of praise to the incredible team of doctors and nurses that made such an intimidating process so much less so due to their kindness and expertise.”
–Emily Barasch
“My sister fell ill right before Christmas on December 17, 2019, and she was taken to Mount Sini West, where she passed away March 13. The Intensive Care Unit team that cared for her were exemplary! Jean, Tom, Donna, Petra, Lydia, Yvonne, Marvin, James Salonia, MD; Vicki Shanker, MD; Joseph Mathew, MD, Director of the ICU; and nameless others in that unit. The ninth floor nurses and Patient Care Associates Christina, Margaret, Carol, Chana, and others whose names I sadly cannot recall. Kelly Manon from Food Services, who delivered more than a guest meal; she always managed to deliver a smile whenever she came around! The Food Services team that worked in the cafeteria; always so pleasant whenever my family and I came through for a meal, especially Luke at the sandwich station. Rita Ferrans, RN, in hospice, who tended to my sister in her last moments. I cannot thank everyone enough for their time and efforts, and the concern and love that they showed to my sister and family! I will always be thankful for all that you tried to do to save her.