LLUAHSC - Spring 2002 Newscope

Newscope

A letter from Len Bailey

[SCOPE, Spring 2002]

Editor’s note: The following letter was written by Leonard L. Bailey, MD, professor and chair of surgery, School of Medicine, to share with colleagues, friends, and the community.

Events of the year 2001 have provided a remarkable context in which to measure one’s own experience.

Terror presents in many ways. For me personally, and for my family this year, it was an unexpected diagnosis of cancer and the vulnerability that it created.

Yet, compared to the instantaneous transformation of life among thousands of others confronted with terror this year, my own diagnosis and treatment barely registers. Indeed, my family and I feel we have been incredibly blessed this year.

We’ve learned much about ourselves, and about the larger community of friends and supporters who have nurtured us.

We’ve received hundreds of cards and letters, many meals, a photo album and video, flowers and other gifts, phone calls, and visits. All expressed concern, support, hope, love, and prayers. Our community embraced us as an active expression of God’s love, and we thank you.

As a physician, I am so proud of our individual and collective ability to provide superb care here at Loma Linda. As a patient, the Loma Linda University Health Care system has not only met my expectations, but well exceeded them. I have experienced, first hand, the uniqueness of whole-person care provided here, and it is wonderful.

My family and I are more grateful than we can adequately express for the ongoing experience of care at Loma Linda and for all the people who have made that care possible.

Thank you for being who you are, for being there for us when we needed you, and for your commitment to the lofty mission of this institution. You should take enormous pride in what you do and how well you do it.

I wish you health, happiness, and inspiration for the years to come.

[SCOPE, Spring 2002]