To the editor: As my dear wife lay at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, racked with the cancer that would end her life, she was given a thrill that she spoke of to the end (‘Show up and share’: How one UCLA ICU helps patients and staff live with dying,” March 20). It was our 42nd wedding anniversary, and she really tried to put on a brave and happy face, but it was so hard. Then, to our delight, just at the shift change, a group of nurses and aides walked into her room, adorned us with party hats and sang “happy anniversary” to us. That brought a smile to my darling girl that I’ll never forget.
That is only one of the myriad acts of kindness that we experienced at UCLA. Our family and I will never forget the humanity and respect with which we were treated by that staff — from the people who empty the trash to the highest-ranking doctors, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare providers. There’s so much more to treating the sick than medicine.
Barry Davis, Agoura Hills
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To the editor: I was so moved by this article and thought how wonderful it would be if other hospitals adapted this type of caregiving that allows patients dignity.
Melinda Perna, Westlake Village
