Hats off to Yale-New Haven

It was the summer of 1970 when tragedy struck my family. I was five years old and full of life when suddenly, as I was riding my bicycle, I was hit by a passing car.

My life changed from that moment forward. The accident nearly severed my left leg and left me with serious internal injuries. I was transported to our local hospital where two unsuccessful operations were performed. It was then decided, at the urging of our doctor, that I be transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital for further treatment considering my condition was worsening.

Arriving at Yale-New Haven, I was quickly transferred to the operating room where surgery was performed. The doctors and nurses who performed the surgery saved my life. Apparently they found a small tear in my intestine that was very hard to detect but was causing a great loss of blood. It was not much later that I began to come back to life with favorable recovery results.

During my two-month stay at Yale-New Haven Hospital, I was treated like a King. The nurses were incredible and comforting. They even began a little “piggy bank” for me. Anyone who came to visit, even the doctors, were requested to drop a coin into the piggy bank. I finally did crack a smile weeks after my surgery when a nurse let my brother push me around the room in my bed.

It has been a long time since that day. I can only reflect today and say that I am very grateful for the incredible treatment I received at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The doctors and nurses along with the staff gave me a second chance at life. I have grown and gained a sense of appreciation for life and how incredible it is to be able to share my life again with my family. The whole staff, especially the nurses, taught me the value of caring for someone, even a stranger like myself.

For this experience alone, I must say, “Hat’s off” to Yale-New Haven for providing me not only life, but also a genuine sense of appreciation and care for those who just happen to need a helping hand.

I lend any and all support to this great institution. The community should be very proud and thankful for having such an incredible world-renowned facility like Yale-New Haven Hospital. It is those who are fortunate enough to have an opportunity to be treated here that really understand what kind of asset this hospital offers.

Thank you Yale-New Haven Hospital. Good luck and Godspeed in your future endeavors.

Gordon Hallas
Danbury, Conn.