Expressions of Gratitude: What’s Your Story?

Expressions of Gratitude is designed to cultivate relationships between Memorial Health System and the patients whose lives they’ve positively impacted, ultimately creating a supportive community network. Its mission is to serve as a portal for patients and families to engage with Memorial Health Foundation and inspire others to share their gratitude towards the health system and its providers.

When sitting down to chat with Robin and Gene Jakubik at the Cancer Center Atrium at Belpre Medical Campus, their warmth and gratitude were evident. While the discussion centered around the Grateful Patient Program, what emerged was a heartfelt testament to the exceptional care they received at Memorial Health System (MHS).

Robin and Gene have both been affected by cancer—Gene has been living with prostate cancer for the past few years and Robin is a breast cancer survivor. Their story is not just about battling cancer; it’s a profound journey of appreciation and a desire to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in their healing.

Gene spoke with deep emotion about how MHS saved Robin’s life. He recounted the day Robin discovered a lump on her chest wall and how the urgency and efficiency of the MHS team became a lifeline.

“Every single person—no matter their role—has been excellent,” Gene said.

After their cancer diagnosis, many of their friends suggested that they go out of town to bigger hospitals, but Gene immediately assured them they would receive the best care right here at home.

Their respect for the medical staff was evident. They spoke highly of Kelli Cawley, MD, Rajendra Bhati, MD, Joseph Cooper, MD, and Michael Sweeney, MD, among others. These providers have offered not only medical care, but also immense support and reassurance throughout their treatments. “The healthcare team gave us more knowledge than we knew what to do with,” Robin remembered. “Their communication was impeccable from start to finish. We never felt left in the dark, no matter where we were in our journey.” The healthcare team, knowing that high medication costs can often be a significant barrier to effective medical care, also played a crucial role in reducing the cost of one of Gene’s medications.

Their experience at MHS inspired them to give back by becoming involved in the Memorial Health Foundation. Eager to participate, Gene and Robin began joining the foundation through events, luncheons, and any other opportunities that arose. “We want to show our gratitude for keeping us alive,” Robin explained. Their willingness to support Memorial Health Foundation is a testament to the positive impact MHS has had on their lives. During a pivotal time in Memorial Health System history, they have chosen to support our new Women and Children’s Hospital.

Gene and Robin’s appreciation for MHS extends beyond just the medical treatment. They are particularly impressed with MHS’s partnership with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which they believe can add a layer of excellence and expertise to their care. This collaboration, combined with the commitment and compassion of the staff, will create an environment where they can feel genuinely cared for and understood.

At the end of the conversation, Gene’s words captured the essence of their gratitude when he shared, “This institution saved her life. And that means everything to me.” His statement was not just a reflection of the past but also a heartfelt expression of their ongoing commitment to MHS.

Robin and Gene’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference that exceptional, personalized care—close to home—can make. Their journey from patients to advocates is a testament to the compassionate and effective care provided by every single person they encountered at Memorial Health System, and their readiness to give back and stay engaged with the foundation is a reflection of the profound impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have on their patients’ lives.

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