To the Editor:

This is written to remind the residents of Sampson County how fortunate we are to have our local hospital with an array of excellent physicians, surgeons and nursing staff.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff of Sampson Regional Medical Center, the emergency room staff, the critical care physicians and nurses, the “Comfort Care” staff, but most of all our surgeon, Dr. Mariana Mendible.

For all of you that gave my father and our family exceptional care and support, our thanks seem so small. Our lives have forever been touched by everyone who cared for Dad and our family during some of the most difficult times of our lives.

All who knew him know what a fighter he was. He fought so hard to stay with us when so many odds were against him in his battle with pancreatic cancer. Words can never describe how our family feels about the doctors and nurses who gave such tireless care. Dad would always talk about the wonderful conversations he had with his “new friends” in the ICU unit. You have no idea how special you made him feel in his final days. You all have been with our family with so much love and compassion when we were scared and didn’t understand what was going to happen next. You gave us hope.

Dr. Mendible our family sincerely thanks you for being there for Dad. He loved and trusted you, your husband Dr. Fleury and your ICU staff. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. When most would have given up, you fought and gave him more time with the ones he loved. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your surgical skills, compassion and your excellent care. We will be forever grateful to all who touched Dad’s life and our lives.

Dr. Mariana Mendible

Dr. Andres Fleury

Dr. James Thatcher

Dr. Subodn Pal

Dr. John McPhail

Dr. Ryan Jackson

ICU Nurses: Teresa Lee, Gillian Griffin, Heather Watts, Sharon Honrine, Harriett Bryant, Kristy Jackson, Cherry Naylor, Angie McLaurin, Stephanie Carr & Heidi Jackson

Comfort Care – Susan Brewington, Luchrisha and Alfreda

If we missed a name, believe me when I say we didn’t miss your acts of assistance and wonderful attitudes.

Sincerely,

Telia Kivett and

the Harper and Kivett families

Salemburg