Two years ago was the last time my Mom told me, “Good Night, and I love you!” I gave her a big hug before I left the hospital room and told her how well she had done through the surgery, and I was so proud of her. I never thought in a million years that this would be the last time we would ever be able to talk to one another. That I would be able to hear her voice, share stories, laugh, get loving advice and words of comfort.
On April 14, 2009 my Mom went to have routine knee surgery. Her surgery was successful, but then after a series oversights and medication errors on the General Floor, my Mom went into respiratory depression and suffered anoxia to the brain. 11 days later she passed away. My brother and I lost the best Mom in the world. Our children lost an amazing grandmother. My aunts and uncles lost their sister, her friends lost a devoted and loyal confidant, and my Dad lost the love of his life.
I want to thank everyone for all of the love and support these past two years. My Mom’s death was tragic and so sad for all of us. My little girl, Ella who is 6, loved her so much and misses her all the time. It has been very hard for her to understand what happened and it crushes me to see her struggle to make sense of it all. The other day, she was helping me stuff and seal envelopes for a mail out for the Foundation. She told me, ”Mommy, it is so sad that Grandmother had to die like she did, but I know that she is saving lives. When I grow up I want to work for Grandmother’s Foundation.” My heart swelled with pride and love. Through great tragedy, there is great hope.
We founded the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation in honor of my Mom’s life, with the mission to help prevent medical errors by ensuring that patients and families have the knowledge they need to promote a safe hospital experience for their loved ones, and to support innovative advancements in patient safety. Our greatest hope is that families, patients, and caregivers will work together as a TEAM to improve safety in our hospitals.
It has help to heal our family and celebrate my Mom’s life by working on improving patient safety to save lives. We have an amazing staff, Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board, and Foundation Advisory Board that have joined forces with us on our mission. We have been moving at lightning speed and have accomplished so much in such a short time.
Thank you to everyone for your support, love and guidance for the last two years!