Pulse of UTMC

In a recent journal entry I attempted to provide a glimpse of Anna Chlebowski, one star of our UT Medical Center “alumni” television spot that salutes some inspiring survivors of medical conditions.

Another one of those “alumni” (patients who were treated at UTMC and now have “graduated” to a healthy, happy life), is Michael Jones, who appears having a pillow fight with his wife in the spot.

Michael received a kidney transplant in 2006. His wife was his donor. Both of them have received a precious gift as a result – each other.

I could write more about Michael, but I don’t need to. His message to Sandra Flick, transplant coordinator, and me lets his incredible spirit shine through:

“Hello ladies, I trust all is well with both of you. I am sure you each are busy doing what you do, which is having positive impacts on the lives of the people you come in contact with.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for presenting me with an opportunity to perhaps be of some type of help for someone in the future.

When I was going through dialysis, I would always ask God, ‘why me?’ Then I would proceed to have my pity party. For a while, that got to be a daily ritual. One day, as I was asking that question, I heard, ‘Have you ever thought that this just isn’t about you?’ It was then that I realized that I was going through what I was dealing with to help someone else.

Although I don’t say a word in the commercial… if someone can see that I was able to make, then maybe they will get the hope to know they can make it as well.Sandy, you keep doing what you do in that clinic. Whether you realize it or not, your smile helps countless people every time they go through those doors at the clinic. I will never forget how calming you were, and still are, when I come there.

Esther, thanks for your hard work in getting the word out about the great things that take place at the medical center. I don’t think people realize how important it is to have people like you who love what they do working behind the scenes.

When we think of hospitals, doctors seem to get all of the attention. However… I’m reminded of something I used to hear my grandfather say, ‘Everyone wants to be a king, but no one really wants to be a king maker.’

I would often think, ‘What in the heck does that mean?’ Now I know. King makers work behind the scenes to make the king look good. You are truly two of the best king makers I have ever had the privilege of knowing.”

Take care,

Michael [Jones]

For the record: Michael thinks the world of our physicians, particularly Drs. Michael Rees and Matthew Rutter. I don’t want anyone to think by the preceding comments that he doesn’t. It’s nice, though, to see someone really look at all aspects of his experience with an institution and to see the value in each.

I share Michael’s thoughts with his permission because it defines, for me, a survivor, an ambassador, the type of person I strive to be.

By the way, you can hear Michael “playing himself” in UTMC’s radio spot.

Esther Fabian is the director of health care marketing at The University of Toledo. Although she is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Esther has willingly traded in brown and orange for the blue and gold. Over her nine years of employment at the institution, she continues to be fascinated by the incredible things that UT Medical Center professionals do every day to help people and loves learning about the many aspects of health care through those exceptional people. Esther hopes to use this journal to give folks a peek into the world of UT Medical Center, and maybe an occasional glimpse into the world of a working mom and owner of many, many pets.
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 9:50 am and is filed under Uncategorized.
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