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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.
Creating A Bit of Magic Around the Holidays
Elizabeth Nentwig was a cancer patient here at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Her condition was terminal, and her husband, Jim (pictured), decided to have Santa Claus come to the hospital to visit her along with his three young children. Elizabeth insisted that if Santa was coming to see her that he bring gifts to others on her pod who may not have family or friends coming to see them over the holiday. That was in 1982, and Elizabeth passed away in 1983. This Christmas will be the 33rd consecutive Christmas that Jim Nentwig and his family have been coming to BWH in borrowed trucks on Christmas Eve to drop off flowers, wrapped gifts and knitted hats and blankets and then returning to distribute all of the gifts on Christmas morning. Every patient and many staff members on duty get something from Santa and his elves.
Over the past 33 years, Jim has enlisted a team of 10 Santas and 100 elves to help make Christmas Day special for those less fortunate or hospitalized. He works tirelessly from January right up to Christmas to gather donations with his team. His children, grandchildren and many volunteers selflessly give their time to visit BWH, all the Boston VA hospitals, Chelsea Soldiers Home and Quigley Memorial Hospital. They also visit families of military personnel who are deployed and bring meals and gifts for their children.
Jim flies under the radar much like Santa. He comes in when most of the hospital staff are off. He does not look for recognition, but I would like to recognize him, his family and the elves who have made Christmas Day here at BWH special for the last 33 years. They bring shining moments to our hospital and community every year.
JIM McKINNON
Manager, Materials Management