"Michelle, just a little note to keep in touch and to let you know you are though of so very much. Thanks so much for all your help!"

- Margaret

"I am writing this letter to express my deepest appreciation to all those who had a part n making my surgery a success. First, I wish to thank Dr. Deitch, for integrating the Bloodless Program in University Hospital. The program is not only benefiting Jehovah's Witnesses but also those who wish to use other methods rather [than] blood transfusion. This is evidence of technological advancement and demonstrates how skillful the doctors are.

"My 15-year-old son, Kellum, was rushed to University Hospital after being a victim of a brutal and violent attack. My son suffered traumatic brain injury and was in a coma.

When my son arrived in the trauma center, a team of 12 doctors worked very hard to stabilize my son and to save his life. But our ordeal was just beginning.

Within 48 hours I was faced with a difficult decision -- to consent to brain surgery or lose my son forever. There was no certainty that my son would even survive such a critical surgery. The first thing that came to my mind was my religious stand on the blood issue.

I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses and my biblical stand on blood is that under no circumstances will we accept a blood transfusion of any kind or in any way. Since my son is a minor, I must make the decision for him.

I decided that I would not break God's law. However, there was no time to go into a long explanation of why I would not authorize a blood transfusion for my son. This was an emergency and this operation needed to take place without delay. A close family member and I spoke to Dr. Allen Maniker, the neurosurgeon, and he said he respected our request and assured me that his team would do all they could to save my son's life without giving him blood. After the surgery, Dr. Maniker came to speak to me regarding the result of the surgery. The operation was successful. We breathed a sigh of relief. All my family and friends about 30 of us that [were] in the waiting room were elated to hear the news.

Although the surgery was successful, Kellum was still in very critical condition and I was informed for about the third time that they didn't expect Kellum to survive. However, I was optimistic and always happy to know that the hospital and surgeons respected my wishes on my stand to abstain from blood.

Michelle Thomas, RNC, Bloodless Coordinator, assisted me and clearly identified Kellum as a bloodless patient upon his admission. I believe that Kellum received the highest quality care at University Hospital. My son was introduced to the hospital staff as a bloodless patient and the hospital staff ensured that bloodless treatment was maintained at all times. My family and I were involved in every step of Kellum's treatment decisions. My wishes and beliefs were respected.

And so, after 22 days in intensive care, Kellum was transferred to a rehabilitation facility and is doing well.

I am so thankful."

- Elissa S

Your information package on Bloodless Surgery was most enlightening and I plan to use it with appreciation.

May we continue to work together in achieving your goal in having one of the best Bloodless Surgery centers in the world."

- Freddie M.

"My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. My husband would require two major operations because the cancer had metastasized to the liver.

My determination now was to find a surgeon who was willing to at least try to perform the surgeries without blood. [My husband] was concerned about developing an infectious disease that would compound his dilemma.

One of my sisters suggested that I call UMD as it had recently been established as a bloodless hospital. At her recommendation I called the coordinator for bloodless surgery and medicine. [The bloodless coordinator] explained to me that many advances had been made regarding bloodless surgery. Finally, an answer to my prayers. Dr. Deitch agreed to see us and discuss the procedures that could be used. Dr. Deitch was willing to perform the operation with the use of the latest surgical techniques to prevent excess blood loss during surgery. We were well informed and John's decision for bloodless surgery remained.

Dr. Deitch and the specialized team that worked with him performed two major operations within seven hours. When I saw Dr. Deitch I could see the exhaustion on his face but I was relieved that our wishes were honored. Ten days later John left the hospital without any complications from a blood transfusion, 14 days later we are in the park taking a walk to build up his energy.

Dr. Deitch, we wish to thank you - for your compassion and respect you showed John during this ordeal.

The last few months have been challenging ones for us. But [the bloodless coordinator] came into our lives and helped us along this mountain-like obstacle. We would like to thank her for being our "eyes" and "feet". Her assistance cannot be measured!"

- Pat and John S.

We were all saddened at the loss of John I. Salandy, Sr. after a difficult bout with cancer. Our warm wishes go out to his family and friends. To honor his memory, a memorial service was held. Below are acknowledgements from the program that was distributed.

"To Drs. Deitch and Harrison, I wish to thank each one of you for your kindness, compassion and respect shown to John while he was under your care. You treated not only the illness but also the whole person. Although, we lost the battle in the end, you never gave up. Thank you for your patience and diligent efforts.