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Every Friday evening, Karen and Rocco Tucci make it a point to have dinner with Karen’s parents, Geri and Richard Norris.
On Nov. 17, the foursome found themselves dining in a family room in the Connors Center instead of at their kitchen table, thanks to the efforts of compassionate BWHers who arranged a special gathering.
Geri Norris was in the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, receiving treatment for congestive heart failure, and her daughter, Karen, just delivered her second son in the Connors Center. Registered dietitian Megan McCullough learned of their situation and put plans in motion to arrange a gathering.
“Staff from Food Services, Shapiro and the Connors Center worked together to coordinate a special family dinner,” said Julie Elder, a manager in the Department of Food Services. “It was truly a team effort.”
In the Connors Center, Charge Nurse Mary Harrison, RN, and Tucci’s nurse Paula Richards, RN, made sure a family room was available for the gathering. Shapiro 7 West staff arranged for Norris to be transported to the Connors Center, and Food Services staff planned a menu that suited everyone’s needs.
“It was a very special evening,” said Karen Tucci. “The food was excellent, and it was a very nice touch that the staff would go the extra mile so our family could celebrate.”
Norris explained that this dinner marked a special accomplishment for her. There were two events that she had looked forward to this year: taking part in the Nov. 5 Breathe Deep Boston 5K Walk, which she and another lung cancer survivor, founded in 2006. The walk benefits the LUNGevity Foundation, which awards grants to researchers at Boston hospitals.
The second event she eagerly anticipated was the birth of her grandson, Tyler.
“I’m very grateful for the care that this hospital has given me and my family,” Norris said. “Everyone here has become an extension of my family.”