Personal Stories
Matthew
Teresa,
My name is Matthew and I am a patient of Dawn. I have known her over the phone since October of last year. In the ensuing time that she has been my advocate. I have faced many problems ranging from legal, housing, childcare, custody, and not to mention my own mental issues. Never, and again I will say NEVER have I experienced the level of professionalism, empathy, and just God given common sense from a caregiver. I once called her my Angel, and that she is. I cannot count the times that I have called her in tears and she has bent over backwards to attend to my needs. Not only to the immediate ones, but those that anyone with common sense would anticipate would come up later.
I do not know how to express how I feel about her except to say that if we were serving together and we were under fire; I would want her close to me, or leading a team that is tasked to fight their way in, in order to help me fight my way out. Please accept this letter as my most sincere expression of appreciation. I have not felt this level of trust and camaraderie since I wore a uniform; whether I was a sailor, a soldier, a cop, or a correctional officer. In short, I trust her with my life, and if I am in trouble, I can call for help and she will be there without question. That means a lot to me.
Today Dawn suggested that I place a voice message on your phone and I declined. I needed to reduce my true feelings to a written document so that I can express EXACTLY how much I am indebted to her. If this letter makes a difference in a promotion, a raise, or even employee of the month; please offer any and all kudos to my sounding board, my savior, and most importantly my friend. My only biological child is still alive because of what Dawn has been fighting for. I am an old Army Sgt. For all intents and purposes I can sleep in the street or in a hole. Dawn has kept me going so that I can provide for this perfect little person that just turned 3 May 2 of this year. I can tell you that she is the best thing that has happened to me in my life. Again, I cannot thank you, Dawn, or your organization enough for what you have done and continue to do for me. I don’t ask for much, just enough to survive and to keep fighting. Thanks again and give Dawn all the kudos and rewards that your position allows and please share this letter with her co-workers to let them know who they are sitting next to. Communication is a very powerful thing. It can give you hope in the face of insurmountable odds. That is what Dawn and your organization gives me every day. Thank you so much for all you have done.
Very truly yours,
Matthew