May 13, 2025, was the day everything changed. My father, Tom Spina, was called into work on his day off to help cover a staffing shortage. An accident exposed him to phosgene, an incredibly dangerous toxic gas.
When he arrived at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, the ICU staff and surgeons were already waiting for him. We were told my dad had a 10% chance of survival. Still in shock, we prepared to say goodbye. Instead, his medical team—led by Drs. Wilcox, Jain, and Xiao—went above and beyond to save his life. Because exposure to phosgene is so rare, Dr. Wilcox immediately researched three similar cases in China. They had to learn almost everything in a matter of hours.
To keep my father alive, he was placed on ECMO, a machine that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs.
ECMO is a lifesaving technology, but it had never been successfully used in the United States for phosgene exposure.
For an entire week, we didn’t know if my dad would survive. The nurses were at his bedside day and night. Dr. Wilcox was on call 24/7. Their expertise and compassion never stopped. Today, my dad is alive, and our family is whole because of this incredible team.
That is why on March 30, I want to recognize Dr. Wilcox and my dad’s team of caregivers on Doctors’ Day, an annual tradition honoring the dedication, skill, and kindness of physicians.
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 by donating securely online at CHSBuffalo.org/Foundation. If someone at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo or one of their affiliated ministries has touched your life or the life of someone you love, I encourage you to recognize them by completing the enclosed tribute card to share your gratitude.
Your continued support of The Foundation of Catholic Health helps ensure that Mercy Hospital has the resources to provide advanced treatments, lifesaving technology, and the best care for every patient who walks through its doors. Every gift makes a difference.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Kasandra Draeger
Grateful Family Member
