Posted Condolences / Memories
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The opinions expressed on this page are those of the individuals posting submissions, not the University of Michigan or its affiliates. The University of Michigan reserves the right to edit submissions at its discretion, and to not publish submissions deemed inappropriate for posting on this board.
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:38 PM by Jeannine |
| Even though my family and friends have never needed the services of this special group of people, it just broke our hearts when we heard of this tragedy. Our condolences go to all of the families of the lost flight as well as the U of M family. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:37 PM by Beth Rearick |
| This is such a tragic event and I can't believe this happened. I am terribly sorry for the loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and I'm sorry for the familes that lost someone this horrific day. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:37 PM by Rapid Response Team/NCBH/Wake Forest |
| Everyone of us on the RRT here at WF had the greatest pleasure to have worked with David Ashburn in the Surgical ICU. We will never forget the cowboy boots with scrubs or the Southern accent! Our sincere prayers are with David's family, all of the transplant specialists' families, pilots' families, the U-M family, and the transplant patient and family. No greater Love hath no man than to lay his life down for another. Heaven is a little sweeter. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:35 PM by Sheila St. Clair, RN., BSN., CCTC. |
| A tremendous loss that has rippling effects throughout the Transplant Society. The irony of being "givers of life"; to have their own taken from them. There is a heavy cloud of sadness that hangs above each of our heads. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:34 PM by Luis Rivera |
| Although I'm not very familiar with the program, every time I see one of the helicopters flight in and out, I feel a sense of pride, a sense of hope, that people take their chances to help, to serve others as many prophets of our time have done. These fellow colleagues are prophets of truth and love. May they rest in peace with their savior. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:29 PM by TIONN MAY |
| I was there when the plane crashed. I just want to say to the families that lost loved ones that all of you are in our prayers. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:27 PM by A. Terando |
| I am so deeply saddened to hear of the crash. Some of my fondest memories of surgical training are from my experiences with the UM transplant team on organ procurement missions. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to meet and work with this incredible group of individuals. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:25 PM by Christine Dawson |
| My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families involved, including the family of the donor. This is an unimaginable loss. As a pilot's wife, I feel some fear every time he leaves for work. From one flight family to another, may God bless you and comfort you in your terrible sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing they died Heroes. They gave all in a valient effort to save the life of another in need.
Sincerely and with heavy heart, Christine A. Dawson, RN, EMT-P |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:24 PM by Sheik Ahmed |
| I first met Martin in September 2006, when I had just come over from the United Kingdom as a Visiting Faculty. I was fortunate to have shadowed him on TICU for a week as part of my induction. Within minutes of having met him, I realized that I had found myself a good friend and colleague.He was always so helpful and the kind of guy who always had a moment to spare no matter how busy he was.
I admired Martin's patience and good nature and his confidence in dealing with complex problems in a calm and appropriate way. On several occasions I took over TICU from him and vice versa in his late night handovers, after he had tucked the kids in bed. It was always a pleasure talking to Martin. He was the kind of person all of us would hope to be, patient, compassionate and caring and good at what he did. Martin signed out TICU to me the week before this tragic incident and we both looked forward to working together on the new CVC. They will always be remembered with pride, love and affection. Our prayers will always be with all the crew, the patient, staff and their families. May God give us the strength to pull through this tragedy and do what our dear friends would have wished us to do, care for our patients. I will always remember Martin very fondly as a wonderful colleague but above all as a very good human being. He will be missed. At this time when all of us are in shock, our prayers are with the family of everyone involved on this tragic incident, to give them strength to pull through these difficult times. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:23 PM |
| We send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your team. The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:20 PM by Jessica Oosterhuis |
| I had the privilege of being Martin's roommate for four years and Susan's for one while they attended med school in Calgary. Martin was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He had a passion for learning and using this knowledge to help others and better society. He had the incredible confidence needed to be a surgeon yet a humble compassion that led him to treat people with respect and dignity. Whenever we reconected with his family over the years, it was easy to see his love and passion for Susan and their children. Martin will be missed, the world has lost a very good man. Susan, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and to the members of the Spoor family as well.
Love Jessica, Curtis and family |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:15 PM by Kelli |
| There are no words to describe how truly sorry I am for the families, friends and collegues of these brilliant men. I did not have the honor of meeting or working with any of them and only saw them pass by in the hall but I do know what a tremendous impact they had on so many people's lives. These heroes will never be forgotten. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Kristie Mitchell |
| Richard Chenault was my high school track coach at Gabriel Richard in 1991. I remember that he was such a nice guy - very warm and caring. Even when he made us do drills that we didn't want to do, no one could find anything negative to say about him. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families of the crash victims. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:59 AM by Amanda, Ron Brisebois |
Susan, When I heard the news about Martin, I was devastated. It has been so few years that our children played together endlessly, and it seemed that life went on forever. My prayers will be with you over and over, forever. I wish I could contact you directly, life seems to fly by. We pray for you and your beautiful 3 children. Martin was a wonderful father, husband and a person who lived life to the fullest. What happens in life cannot be explained by me, or anyone. He saved many, was touched by many, and will never be forgotten. Lots of love always, Amanda, Ron, Jonathan, Joshua and Noah Brisebois Edmonton, Alberta CANADA |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:58 AM |
| At the university, we spend so much time with each other that we become family. These individuals were like family to me, and it makes me incredibly sad that they are not here. They loved their families and said it every day. They provided me with friendship; mentorship and taught me how to become a better physician and person. It is an unthinkable loss for their families; all of us are here to share their grief and help them through. I hope that their souls are resting and that all of us left here find peace. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:54 AM by Chris D. |
| I am so touched by the selfless actions (both in their professional and personal lives) of those lost on Monday. The outpouring of support here is, I am sure, only a small reflection of the impact made by these brave individuals.
Although I did not know any of the victims personally, I was so moved to honor them that I have finally joined the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. My only hope is that I can somehow pass on the gift of life as a small token of the appreciation I have for the actions of these men. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:51 AM |
| Condolences to our fine colleagues in Ann Arbor. -The Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:51 AM by Chad Abbott |
| I had the privilege of working with both Richard and Rick, and shared an office with Richard for approximately 2 years. Both of these men were exemplary citizens who truly loved their jobs and life. I doubt that either one of them know how much they meant to everyone they came in contact with, or how much good they actually did in this world. Both families should take pride in knowing that Richard and Rick were respected by all who knew them - they both made the best of every situation and I don't recall any conversation with either of them not ending on a positive note. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:47 AM by Barb Hammond |
| Richard Chenault touched my life through my (grown) daughters' involvement in track. It didn't matter to him that they were from another team (Tecumseh), he was all about promoting the athlete and self improvement. They knew they could, and did, approach him with any question and he would have time to answer them. Recently, Richard and I met in the hall and he inquired about my girls and did they still run. I was so touched that he remembered them and could take time to show the interest years after they have graduated. It is now our turn to remember him and mirror his 'way' to keep his legacy alive. Richard - you will be missed. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:45 AM |
| My deepest condolences to the families who have lost a loved one. As the mother of young children, I am particularly heartbroken thinking of the children who have lost their fathers in this tragic accident. The entire UM family shares your grief and sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are also with all the other members of the transplant and survival flight teams who will continue to bravely board those flights and go on their missions of hope and healing in the weeks and months to come. They are all truly heroes. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:44 AM by Spectrum Health Nurse |
| My deepest sympathy goes out to the families of the victims and to the staff at U of M. My heart is breaking with yours. You are in my prayers. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:41 AM by Sharon Eikenberry Fairlamb |
| I am a former 14 year employee of U of M and still think of the hospital as "my place" and dear to my heart. I am so very saddened by the loss of these wonderful people and my heart goes out to their families and friends and also to the patient who was left on the operating table and went without a transplant. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:41 AM by Amanda Mohr-Scroggins |
| First off my condolences to all the families. I worked with the team from 2001 to 2003. Richard was a very nice guy. He loved his family and he loved what he did. He enjoyed saving lives. My heart goes out to all who are hurting. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:31 AM by Marie Sweeney |
| I am not directly connected to the U of M transplant center, but I am a lung recipient of over 5 years from Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit. I just want to express my sympathy, support and prayer to all who are affected by this tragedy. My one hope is that out of this & the media around it, many people will be touched by the value of transplant & sign to give their organs. My advice to the waiting recipient is not to lose hope, but in time, another Gift of Life will come their way soon! Marie Sweeney |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:30 AM by Dr.S.Handagala |
| My deepest sympathies to the family members.We lost great heros engaged in the noble profession. Wish them perhaps come in their rebirth to complete their missions, maybe generations later.
Dr.handagala, Sri Lanka |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:28 AM by Jan Kindy R.N. |
| My deepest sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of all six men who were taken so suddenly and tragically. I knew Martin and Richard Chenault while working as a nurse in Cardiac Surgery. They were truly wonderful, caring,and compassionate men. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire cardiac/transplant family. I lost my brother in a sudden accident when I was a young girl and always wondered why would God take such a young man. He had many of the qualities as these 6 men. I told myself that God takes those most deserving to sit with him and carry out his plan for us. I hope this may help during such a painful time. Let's remember their kindness, smiles, compassion, and their love for their fellow mankind. May we honor them so their children know that their fathers were men to look up to and aspire to their greatness. We may miss them and not see them, but they are with us always. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:26 AM by karen palomo |
| My heart felt condolences go to the staff of your hospital and the families of the crash victims. Thank you to those who passed for their efforts to save others.
Karen |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:22 AM by Grace |
| My deepest condolences to the families of all these heroes! While at this time I'm sure nothing much will ease your loss, none the less, these tributes that people are writing are coming from all over the country!
Your loved ones have touched a magnitude of hearts & lives, that others could never imagine. These people were obviously exemplary individuals who give new life to the role of being a true hero. Their commitment was so much bigger than just themselves. Often U of M seems so LARGE, that we forget what an impact each individual CAN make. I pray their message of dedication on a personal & professional level, continues to resonate throughout our University & live in everyone's hearts forever. God Bless all of these families & we are so sorry for your loss. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:18 AM by Marcy Waldinger |
| I did not have the privilege of knowing any of the heroes lost in this terrible tragedy. Yet I feel the loss deeply, as do others who are part of the UMHS family. We in the Cancer Center, and everywhere in our health system, are privileged to work in an environment where we are constantly reminded of the preciousness of life. These brave individuals faced this reality perhaps most acutely every day. We are grateful for their work and for their colleagues in the cardiovascular center, survival flight, ICU and everywhere across the UMHS who will carry on with the same dedication and commitment that these men exemplified. May the comfort of family and friends and faith sustain the families in their bereavement. Be assured that we will never forget this ultimate sacrifice in the interest of giving new life to our sickest patients. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:17 AM by Anthony Charles |
| Myself and Martinus were surgical critical care fellows together.My heart goes out to his wife and children. May his soul and all the departed rest in Perfect peace. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:17 AM by Michele Pilato M.D. |
| The Heart Transplant Unit of the Mediterranean Institution for Transplant and High Specialty Therapy (ISMETT) in Palermo, Sicily offers its heartfelt condolences to the families of the University of Michigan Transplant team lost in the airplane crash of June 4th. We pray for them. They are to be considered heroes who lost their lives trying to help and save other people's life.
Michele Pilato M.D., Chief Cardio-Toracic Unit ISMETT Palermo |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:15 AM by Kimberly Honan |
| My heart aches along with many as I try to make sense of this tragedy. My fondest memories of Richard go back to childhood -- Richard lived across the street from my grandparents and he and Mitzi would often come over to play with us. Richard once crashed our Honda Trail 70 into a ditch in the field! Every time Richard saw me here at the hospital, he would tell me how influential my grandfather was in his life and how he so loved riding the tractor with him as they plowed the fields. Richard was such a compassionate, friendly, warm and loving person and will be dearly missed! To know him was to love him! My deepest sympathy and heartfelt sadness goes out to the Chenault family and ALL the families involved -- May God Bless You! Kimberly |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:13 AM by Paul Charette - Lansing |
| Like the loss of servicemen, police officers or firefighters, this tragedy near the Milwaukee shore strikes us hard. And unlike the three kings who were successful in delivering their gifts to the Christ Child, these six kings who were traveling from afar bearing the gift of new life were not able to complete their journey. However, they took flight from Gen. Billy Mitchell Field looking up into the eastern sky with the same hope, the same joy, and same anticipation of delivering their gift.
There are six new, bright shining stars in our sky honoring the memory of these fine men. My prayers are for all of us, for the entire U of M Transplant Team, and especially the families who lost their loved ones and the patient who remains in critical care. May peace surround us, love guide us, and hope live in our hearts. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:09 AM by Sara Hollewa |
| For my brother Bill and to his wonderful family -- my sister in-law Debbie, my nieces Jennifer and Chrissy, and my nephew Billy
My brother was one of the most kindest, sweetest men I've ever known. He was a great person, an outstanding pilot who loved what he was doing. I will miss him dearly and he truly was an inspiration to all of us and a role model to follow. He was an excellent husband, father, brother, uncle, and son to all of us. He would have done anything for anyone. You will be truly missed. Love Sara, Joe, Joey, Lauren, and Katie Hollewa |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:08 AM by Debbie Pettitt |
| As the Occupational Therapy Supervisor at University Hospital, I did not personally know any of our lost team members. However, many of my Occupational Therapists did, and I am sharing their grief, as well as experiencing an overwhelming sense of loss for them, their families, their patients and their colleagues. I have not heard any 'formal' mention of the donor's family, and do not want them overlooked or forgotten in this tragedy. They suffered a tremendous loss of their loved one, made the difficult decision to donate organs to help save others lives, then lost that small piece of comfort and hope when the flight went down. This tragedy has so many dimensions it is hard to comprehend. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 11:00 AM by Peg |
| I have worked at the University in transplant research for almost 5 years. In those 5 years, I have seen the committment to quality my colleages at the transplant center bring to patient care and research. I am honored to be a part of this team. While I didn't know any of the individuals who passed away personally, I have heard many stories from colleagues about them. My heart goes out to these heroes' families. My thoughts are also with my co-workers at the transplant center who knew and cared for their lost colleagues. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:57 AM by Jered Fuller |
| My stay here at the University of Michigan Health System has been remarkable, as a team, a family, and friends pull together to mourn the loss of six great people. I have seen the sadness in each and every one of the colleagues on this campus, and I just wanted to tell you all that things will get better. Time heals wounds; the U of M heals bodies. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:54 AM by sinan simsir, m.d. |
| Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of this brave team. They and their families are in our thoughts and prayers. Please guide us whichever way we can help in this very difficult time. On behalf of the Cedars-Sinai thoracic transplant team in Los Angeles, CA. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:51 AM by Jacques Romney, MD, FRCPC, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton |
| Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all of the families. Many of us in Edmonton trained with Martin and his wife Susan and knew them and their family well. For anyone who knew Martin, his gentleness and sense of humor will always bring a smile. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:44 AM by Sam Walsh |
| To the families of those who died in this tragedy:
I knew two of the six men aboard the flight, and my heart goes out to you. The prayers of the entire University of Michigan community are with you. What an example of sacrificial giving these men have provided, they have given their lives in trying to save a stranger. My family and I are praying for you for comfort and peace during this time. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:41 AM by Ranjit Aiyagari |
| I had the pleasure of working with David Ashburn in the PCTU for the past couple of years. He was an exceptionally nice human being, a hard worker, and a consummate team player. His loss is truly devastating and he will be missed by all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all the victims. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:39 AM by Lisa Lockridge-Washington |
| My thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Chenault's family members and co-workers. I've known Richard since 1985, where we worked in the PICU blood gas lab. We also attended Eastern Michigan University together as well.
I can tell you that Richard has always been one to encourage others, engage you in wonderful conversation and ministered to you all at once. He has touched so many lives and I know the Lord has said to him, "Well done my good and faithful servant." To the family and other friends I send much love and prayer. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:38 AM by Rebecca - Atlanta, GA |
| As the sister of a retired UM Nurse and the sister-in-law of someone who has been waiting for a heart transplant, I have seen the bond that grows between the team of doctors and the patient. The loss of these doctors and specialists is heart-breaking, but let us not overlook the patient for whom the organ(s) was intended. This is a devastating blow to that patient and his/her family, and in my heart I think that perhaps the final thoughts of the transplant team were of what this loss meant to their patient who was so close to the end of the wait. The profound grief of the Team's families and the Patient's families is being felt by people all over the country. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:28 AM by Colleen |
| Love and prayers to all.
Life is fragile. God Bless everyone! |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:21 AM by Jamie Langlois |
| My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by this tragedy. I never met these people but I know they have helped so many people and touched so many lives. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:18 AM by Tiffany Sylvertooth |
| As a former track athlete of Richard Chenault, I held him close to my heart. He wasn't just a coach; he was my friend and father figure. When I saw him in the halls here in the hospital, he always seemed so proud to see me doing well. Then he would ask me the same question that he asks all of his athletes, "Who are your favorite men?" And I would answer, "GOD, my father and you Richard." Those left behind are the people who suffer. Those whose life was lost are doing just fine.
My heart goes out to the families of that heroic flight, the transplant recipient and family and the family of the donor. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:12 AM |
| Those we hold most dear never truly leave us; they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:10 AM by Anthony J. Zangara, MD |
| Our family has benefited by the care and help of the University of Michigan Survival Flight program when they transported our grandchild, Jake, three times between NYC and Ann Arbor for live-giving treatments and surgery by Dr. James Stanley of Michigan.
We are deeply moved by the tragedy of the U-M Survival Plane crash into Lake Michigan killing all 6 members aboard. This is the flight that more than once transported a very ill Jake and members of his family between New York and Ann Arbor en route to his definitive care and surgery. It was truly a survival flight in Jake's case and we are deeply grateful to the pilots, nurses, doctors and technicians who accompanied us on our life-saving trips. These dedicated people are true heroes who selflessly give to help others, and now they have given their ultimate. We offer our sympathy to their families, and pray that they find great consolation in the life hereafter for that they gave themselves in the service of others. May they rest in peace eternal. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:08 AM by sharon jayson, livonia michigan |
| From: Sharon, Livonia, Michigan
My sorrow and thoughts go out to the fallen Survival Flight Crew and their families and friends. I am a Survival Flight survivor from July 20, 2003. I was suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm at Botsford Hospital when the helicopter crew: Pilot-John Dickensheets, Nurse-John Bullen and Nurse-Chris Wagner came and transported me to UofM Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Neurosurgeon-Dr. William Chandler performed a very successful surgery and that is why I am alive today. I will never be able to thank them enough. They are in my thoughts quite often and in my sights when the beautifully painted choppers fly overhead. I blow a kiss to you every time and say a prayer for your safe departures and arrivals. |
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 10:04 AM by Alley Scharp |
| i love this family like my own.. i give you my deepest sympathy, i love you all....Alley |
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