October 15, 1999

Below is a letter from a grateful patient that was forwarded to the hospital from Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's office.

Dear Mayor Menino:

Last weekend, I traveled with a group of Texans from Baylor University to attend the Baylor-Boston College football game. Although Baylor did not return home as the victor, the experience, and its beautiful setting, was remarkable.

However, I do not contact you about that. On Sunday night, I joined friends for dinner at Piccola Venezia. Before we had even ordered our meal, I began to feel ill. To shorten the story, an ambulance came and transported me to the Massachusetts General Hospital. The diagnosis was acute food poisoning. I am so grateful for the excellent care that I received at the hospital, as well as the Boston EMT and their superb care. Through the years, I have been in numerous emergency rooms with family and friends. Never have I seen the expertise, or love as shown at Mass General. They were kind and so caring. The EMT crew was delightful, and came by the room to check on me four times. That is unusual! I was fortunate to be able to walk out after two hours or so without any after effects.

My friends and I thank you and the people of Boston for your caring spirit. We will eagerly tell others about our visit. From the restaurant to the EMT to the hospital, we felt loved and cared for. I am very grateful!

Sincerely, 

Frances R. Wheat, Big Spring, Texas