A Thank You Message from Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ Chief Executive Officer Stony Brook University Hospital

Dear Stony Brook Stitchers:

 “True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure – the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer the choice to the character’s essential nature.” ―Robert McKee

On behalf of our doctors, nurses, and staff, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Stony Brook Stitchers, who have a long history of volunteering their time, energy, and creativity to make items for those in physical, emotional or spiritual need.

During this global pandemic, our direct patient caregivers have been on the front lines, caring for hundreds of coronavirus patients on a daily basis. In these unprecedented times, a community effort is needed to meet the immediate needs of our frontline healthcare staff as they care for these patients. Thank you all for selflessly answering the call for help by making and donating face masks, as well as a number of essential safety items to protect our frontline workers who continue to provide much-needed services during this pandemic.

With your help, we were able to conserve and preserve our supplies of surgical masks and PPE for our frontline healthcare workers, who needed it most during the critical phase of the pandemic. Your donations enabled SBUH to adequately protect patients, physicians, nurses and other clinical staff, and help reduce the spread of infection throughout the community.

We all feel the pressure during this health crisis in different ways, but the important part is that the crisis does not consume or define us. What defines us is our actions, and your actions have placed you, along with the front line staff, as true heroes in the fight against COVID-19.  Thank you for working together towards a common purpose; your response to our call for help was truly humbling and awe inspiring. I have never been more proud to be part of a community that so readily and generously supports each other, especially during uncertain and difficult times as these.

Your generosity truly helped to ensure our ability to provide uninterrupted, high-quality health services. Thank you again for your incredible support. Stay healthy and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer
Stony Brook Medicine