Grand Prize, Kathy Jasper
Since my diagnosis in March, I have worked with several Kelsey-Seybold caregivers in my journey through breast cancer. Every single one has been caring and professional, but some stand out.

Jeanne Clark, the wonderful nurse during my stereotactic biopsy, was so understanding. Just before they started the procedure, I said, “I’m going to faint!” With wash cloths, smelling salts and her calm voice talking to me, I made it through the procedure.

Dr. Trumble, the head of radiology who did my second biopsy, personally reviewed the data and made sure the sample was from the right spot.

Dr. Robert Cook, my assigned surgeon, talked to me for an hour one afternoon, answering my questions and speaking frankly, which was so important to me. He had no problem with my decision to work with plastic surgeon Dr. Aldona Spiegel, which meant I would work with another Kelsey surgeon, Dr. Treneth Baker.

I appreciated being the one in charge of my care. I was thrilled to have Dr. Baker as my surgeon. He won sort of an “Academy Award” being voted in a poll of 52,000 Texas doctors as the surgeon they would most likely recommend to their own family.

And he is calm, caring, smart and patient as well. What more could I ask for? Still, when the morning of the surgery came, I was anxious. My fiancé, Duane, was right there with me, and all was proceeding normally, but I knew I’d be different when the surgery was over. I hadn’t really had time to process everything. But there was no turning back.

Then, right before my final prep, Dr. Baker was there, reassuring me, and most importantly, he squeezed my hand. That moment took all my fears away. I knew I was in good hands. I knew I was cared for. I cry now when I think of that moment. It meant so much to me. That is my favorite Kelsey-Seybold memory (so far!).

My journey continues, and my outlook is very optimistic for a fully recovery in the care of my Kelsey-Seybold professionals. You’re the best!

Second Prize, Ernest Amos
A couple of months ago, I was diagnosed with a medical problem. After being persuaded to go to see my doctor, I was given a prescription to help with my medical condition. It was not until the first prescription was gone that I realized the medication was very expensive.

My doctor informed me that I must use the medication every day to relieve my symptoms. After using the medicine for approximately one month, there was remarkable improvement in my depressed mood and low energy level.

I am retired and living on a fixed income, so I could not afford the medication that had proven to be so helpful in relieving my symptoms. The prescription is $288.99. Even with the savings card ($20 off the first six refills), it was still too expensive and our prescription service sent us a denial letter stating that they would not cover the cost of the medication.

During the time that I was on the medication, my wife said there was marital bliss. It was a wonderful and powerful medication and is the only way that I see my energy level return, mood swings cease and have the ability to enjoy my golden years. I love working outside, but tire very easily and could not fully enjoy my outdoor activities.

My wife phoned Bini George, Dr. Shahid Muhammad’s nurse. After several phone calls to Express Scripps, Nurse George arranged a conference call and explained the need for the medication that had been prescribed.

It is because of the persistence of Nurse George that I enjoy a happier life during my golden years. We will be forever grateful for the exceptional service, patience and persistence of Nurse George as she worked with the insurance company to obtain approval for the reduction in the cost of the medication. Nurse George is a very caring and understanding nurse that is an awesome and proven asset to the Kelsey-Seybold medical staff.
Thank you, Nurse Bini George. You were a lifesaver for us.

Honorable Mention, Monica Pollard
My favorite memory of Kelsey-Seybold is one that rings true with every visit. I remember my first visit happened to be under urgent circumstances, as far as I was concerned. I needed an appointment as soon as possible.

A friend suggested I call Kelsey-Seybold as they might be able to see me right away. I called one morning and they were able to see me within hours. It was great. We were in the midst of a terrible flu season that year and I had contracted a sinus infection.

I was able to get a prescription right away and the doctor was covered under my current insurance. Additionally, the doctor was very pleasant even though he was visibly very busy. The front desk and atmosphere was professional and organized as well. I even got my lab results online.

Kelsey-Seybold is one of the few places that offers results online, even today! Kudos to Kelsey-Seybold for being ahead of the times. If you have to go to the doctor, Kelsey-Seybold is the place to go. They have my vote for having the friendliest and most efficient offices ever.

Honorable Mention, Sabneen Chowdhury
When we decided to have a baby, we made an appointment with our Kelsey-Seybold doctor. When we realized that it wasn’t a simple process, we had to learn how to be patient with the results every week.  The anticipation… the results… didn’t always add up to the most desirable experience.

But we were glad that we had so many Kelsey-Seybold staffers to answer all our questions. We were never discouraged by our doctor. Everyone we came in contact with was telling us that it takes time and to be patient.

Finally, the call came in from the doctor’s office to let us know that the initial exam was positive, but they had to do few more exams to be confirmed. We could not wait.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ike was here and we had to wait again until life got back to normal. We didn’t know how to ask our doctors to do a simple test when people were tackling life threatening emergencies.

Our doctors realized our desperation and made arrangements so that we did not have to be patient anymore. Since there was no power in the clinic, special arrangements were made for us to visit another lab.

Although we also lost power and shared some of the same difficulties as others in Houston after Hurricane Ike, the efforts made by our Kelsey doctors brightened our life. What difference did it make if we had to wait patiently for power?

We celebrated the outcome because of the unusual steps that the staff took at Kelsey. That single moment in our life became the happiest moment.
When our child was born at The Woman’s Hospital, we felt lucky that we were in the hands of caring people who have patiently served us for 60 years. Thank you.

Honorable Mention, Kay Rocha
One of the most favorable memories I have had with Kelsey-Seybold was when after going into the hospital for a routine biopsy, my mother developed sepsis and went into a coma. In the midst of the heartbreak of watching my mother slowly dying of an unforeseen development from a routine procedure, I experienced one of the most memorable actions I have ever known.

Dr. Mike Newmark with his compassion, tenderness and concern came every day to visit and encourage by just being there for my family. My mother was his patient for a short time due to a restless leg syndrome, and although the medical problem she was in the hospital for was totally unrelated and had nothing to do with Dr. Newmark’s field, he came by daily to check on us.

Dr. Mike had been a true and excellent physician to my family for many years. My husband over the last few years has been diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Dr. Mike’s friendship has never wavered and his concern is genuine for his patients.

I would say that Kelsey-Seybold employees are the biggest asset that Kelsey-Seybold has and one of the best business decisions they could’ve made are the choices they have made in hiring and staffing the facilities with the quality of doctors that serve Kelsey-Seybold patients.