Dear Dr. Frankel, Dr. Tamariz and Nurse Michelle,

Many times we have tried to write this note to thank you for saving Mateo’s life, but the tears and memories of those days were always a bit too much for us to handle.

We needed time to forget about the hardship and simply focus on the miracle you pulled off, and the insurmountable joy we feel every day that we get to love Mateo.

Our family is whole because of your magical hands and wisdom. Mateo had stopped breathing just as we arrived at your Pediatric Emergency Department and we are aware that it was a matter of seconds that saved his life. The immediate response from Dr. Tamariz and Nurse Michelle is the reason why Mateo is with us today. As I waited outside the treatment room it seemed like a lifetime, but the moment I heard Dr. Tamariz say, “He’s back” will be forever marked in my heart.

Then, when Diego became ill with the same ailment, we felt overwhelmed. Dr. Frankel, the dedication of you and your staff during our weeks in the Pediatric ICU with both boys made us feel as if we were your only patients. We THANK YOU for your knowledge, patience, care and dedication. We will forever be grateful to all of you for your help!

With warm regards,

Gabriela and Roberto Aitkenhead

Philanthropic partners like the Aitkenheads make it possible for CPMC to provide exceptional care to young patients in more than 14,000 Pediatric Emergency visits every year, plus 1,000 more in our Pediatric ICU.