WAUKESHA SPRINGS HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER PULLS FOR ONE OF IT’S OWN Long time employee collapses from aneurysm
9/15/09
Waukesha, WI, August 25th, 2009 –Waukesha Springs suffered a huge blow last week after learning about what had happened to one of their co-workers overnight. Mel Buckarma had traded the night off with another employee; no one really knew why. Fortunately she was at home with her family when her brain aneurysm burst. Her 20 year old son (also an employee at Waukesha Springs) caught her and a family friend quickly called 911. She has since undergone surgery to repair the damage. They found two other aneurisms during the surgery. She remains in a coma in the ICU at this time.
Her family has kept a vigil at the hospital hoping for the best and dreading the unknown. Many of Mel’s co-workers stop in for a quick visit before or after work or during their lunch break. “We all feel so helpless and we want to help in whatever way we can” said Laurie Gatewood, RN, Director of Nursing. “You have to realize that Mel is one who truly embraces and lives the organizations core values. She has the heart of a caregiver and is so full of humility…truly, she has a heart of gold.” Pam Trawicki, RN Supervisor, has worked with Mel for the past nine years describes her as “having extremely high standards of care, very thankful and thoughtful, willingly gives of herself to others and always puts herself last. Mel appreciates what is done for her and always reciprocates in her selfless manner.”
Mel has five children and has always taken in those in need. After meeting her entire family, we feel so compelled to help, but realize it is going to be a very long road. We are doing what we can but recognize we are facing a much larger need to help sustain this family.
You never realize how much of a family you become with co-workers until something like this happens; right now one of ours needs more help than we can give her.
The facility is currently collecting donations and an account will be opened in the family’s name for any donations that may be given from the community.
|
|
