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In This Issue:
BWH Bulletin's year-end issue is a time to highlight BWHers' proudest moments from the past year. We asked you to share one BWH-related memory from 2014 that was meaningful to you, and you offered touching stories about colleagues, patients, families, events and milestones that inspired you. We hope you enjoy these moments.
Lifegiving Breakthroughs
One incredibly special moment for me this year was shaking the hand of Will Lautzenheiser (pictured), one of our patients who recently received a bilateral arm transplant.
Will, who lost all four of his limbs to a life-threatening infection, was awaiting a donor when he spoke at BWH's "Caring for Our LGBT Patients" forum in September. His remarkable courage and positive spirit stayed with me after meeting him, and I thought of him often.
What a delight it was for me to see him on the Pike last month after he had received his transplant. The sight of him with his beautiful new arms took my breath away, as did the look of sheer joy on his face when I asked if I could shake his hand.
For me, the purpose of all that we do at BWH manifested itself in that one emotional moment with Will. Our care teams push the boundaries of what is possible to deliver lifesaving and lifegiving care to every patient. Our researchers are making discoveries that enable us to transform care, and our residents and trainees are enriching the care we provide and preparing for the next generation of patients. Our administrative and support staff ensure that our operations and facilities run smoothly and efficiently so that we may carry out our mission. We do this incredible work at BWH and around the globe in under-resourced settings for those in need.
The skill and compassion you bring to your work make this moment, and so many others like it, possible. I am profoundly grateful for all you have done this year to bring comfort, hope and joy to the lives of our patients, their families and each other.
BETSY NABEL, MD
BWHC President