I had no idea how many good things could come from one hospital visit. On May 1, 2025, I fell while helping my son build a deck and suffered a serious wound to my left leg that required many stitches. At the time, it seemed like a painful but manageable injury. Two months later, I started feeling unwell. I was weak, stumbling, and something clearly wasn’t right.
The rest of that day is a blur. I was rushed to Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and within 20 minutes, Dr. Kozlowski had me on multiple antibiotics and IV fluids. My leg was septic. As a healthcare provider myself, I know situations like that can be a 50/50 outcome.
I was fortunate to survive. But the care didn’t stop there. During testing, my medical team discovered I had an atrioventricular block in my heart, a serious condition that could have led to a cardiac emergency.
The infection that brought me to Kenmore Mercy helped uncover something that could have become even more dangerous in time.
Over the next several months, I continued my recovery and rehabilitation. Today, I’m building back my strength and feeling better each week.
What stands out to me most from this experience is the coordination of care. Every Catholic Health provider has shared the same goal: to get me well. I am deeply grateful to the entire care team—from my nurses to my cardiologist to the Wound Care staff—who never gave up on me. They made a frightening and stressful journey easier for my family.
That’s why this March 30, I want to recognize Dr. Kozlowski and the entire care team at Kenmore Mercy Hospital on Doctors’ Day. It’s a time to honor the dedication, skill, and compassion of caregivers who make a lasting difference in patients’ lives.
I invite you to help me celebrate Doctors’ Day this year with a gift in honor of your caregiver. You can make a gift using the enclosed form or donate securely online at CHSBuffalo.org/Foundation. If a caregiver at Kenmore Mercy has touched your life or the life of someone you love, I encourage you to recognize them by completing the enclosed tribute card.
Your continued support of The Foundation of Catholic Health helps ensure that lifesaving care is there when every minute counts.
With immense gratitude,
Bruce Pleskow
Grateful Patient
