At 23 weeks pregnant, I heard the words no parent expects to hear: partial placental abruption. A week later, I returned to Sisters of Charity Hospital, terrified. At just 25 weeks, my daughter Lucy was delivered by emergency C section, weighing 1 lb. 7 oz. I can still picture her in the NICU—so tiny, so fragile—surrounded by machines that were keeping her alive.
From the very beginning, the caregivers at Sisters became our lifeline. Nurses Kelly and Linda sensed quickly that something wasn’t right. Their instincts led to the discovery of coarctation of the aorta, a dangerous narrowing of Lucy’s major artery. Though medication helped stabilize her, the side effects were intense. Several times, we were asked to consider comfort care.
But Lucy’s team, including director of neonatal services, Dr. Robert Dukarm, never stopped fighting. Day and night, they worked to help her grow strong enough for the heart surgery she desperately needed. When she finally met the qualifying weight, she was transferred to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for lifesaving surgery—then returned to Sisters just one week later to continue recovering.
On September 29, 2025, after 117 days in the NICU, Lucy graduated. We went home with our miracle—a miracle made possible by her extraordinary caregivers. Today, Lucy is a happy, healthy little girl. We will forever be grateful for her team of doctors and nurses who never gave up on her.
That is why this March 30, I want to recognize Dr. Dukarm and the entire care team at Sisters 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 someone at Sisters Hospital made a difference in your life or in the life of someone you love, I encourage you to recognize them by completing the enclosed tribute card.
Your continued support The Foundation of Catholic Health helps ensure that families like ours continue to receive lifesaving treatment and compassionate care when they need it most.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Grateful Family Member
