Gift of Life Child Justin Acosta - Day 13

Monday, October 27, 2008

At 10:30 this morning, I drove over to Fort Lee to pick up Ann McVey at Sally's parking lot. For the first time we breezed over the bridge, up the Deegan, and to the hospital parking lot. Our appointment was for noon. We arrived at the 3^rd floor twenty minutes early, checked in at the desk, and were told to go to the 4^th floor. Justin had to get blood work and X-rays. The first room we went to we had to fill out forms, the same forms we filled out last Friday, except Janice, the nurse, completed the form for us. When we were done with the forms, we went to another department, and would you believe more questions on the same forms. It was nearing three o'clock. I was told by the receptionist that the blood lab closed at four and we weren't close to answering all the questions. One of the doctors was asking Dolce questions in Spanish but did not understand Dolce answers. After several minutes Ann McVey stopped a male Spanish speaking nurse that we had been talking to earlier. He translated for the doctor and Dolce. All the questions were completed in ten minutes. We made it for the blood tests with ten minutes to spare.

We then went to X-rays on the lower lobby. Justin was out in ten minutes. Oh, did I forget to mention that after the blood test and X-rays, we were to see Dr. Sam Weinstein. He is performing the surgery on Justin and he wanted to see Dolce at 1:30 to explain the operation. It was now 4:50 and we were told he could not see her today.

Now for a little more disappointing news. The operation has been put off till next week. The good news is Justin may be inducted into our club if the operation is after next Tuesday. The bad news is that Dolce is really starting to miss the family. Dolce said to Ann, "John will be tired of having me around". I said, "What do you mean will be"? She did laugh.

In all fairness to the hospital and doctors, they have all been great. The reason for the postponement is that another little guy came in Sunday and needs the operation sooner than Justin. We told the staff we will do whatever it takes. They then told us we have to come back to meet Dr. Weinstein this Wednesday at 4:30.

When we were in the reception room, Ken Schwin from the Englewood Club came in with their GOL child. I believe his name is Nahum. He is 13. The host family is Bob and Florence Marchi. Florence, if you read this letter I will be happy to take Nahum to the hospital on Wednesday. I will call you.

Five thirty dinner at the Plaza Diner, I recommended the hot open roast beef sandwich with gravy, mash potatoes, and corn, with lots of extra gravy for Dolce and Justin. It was my treat, but Ann paid. It was Ann's first visit to Montefiore and it was a long one. By the way Bob and Arlene, while I was at the hospital I called the PA police officer John Guevara, who escorted us when we picked up Justin and Dolce at the airport. When I told him the operation was Wednesday he said he would be there. Now, it would be too soon. I will have to call him back and tell him the operation was delayed. You know, this Gift of Life program is a good way to meet some very special people along the way.

Of course, I took more pictures.  Need I say more? The dinner was a winner.

Yours in Rotary,

John Koch