Stories of Gratitude: An Interview With Carole and John Monaco

For Arlington Heights residents Carole and John Monaco, the hospital that is right next door has always been a part of their lives. They relied on NCH for the typical ER visits with their kids, some "minor" surgeries and were Wellness Center members since it opened. Carole also volunteered in Spiritual Care. However, it wasn't until a major health issue in 2015 that the physicians, nurses and staff at NCH took on a new meaning in their lives. It was then that they realized NCH was more than just convenient—it was a treasure right in their backyard.

In November 2015, Carole started to have itching and flu-like symptoms. She went to her primary care physician, Andrew Krock, M.D., and had it checked out right away. Standard blood work came back with extremely elevated liver enzymes. The physician assistant called and told her to go to the ER right away and even called ahead so that staff in the ER would be ready. Willis Parsons, M.D., performed a scope and inserted a stent to ease her condition. He explained to John the reason for her symptoms. Carole had a tumor on her pancreas, likely cancerous, and she would need a big operation. He ordered a CT scan because he knew Malcolm Bilimoria, M.D., who would be her surgeon, would need it; the first of many well-coordinated efforts from her amazing care team.

The next day, only a half an hour after the scan was completed, Dr. Bilimoria was at Carole's bedside with three others on his team. Yes, this was very serious but Dr. Bilimoria promised an excellent surgery. John remarked that they didn't feel threatened by the diagnosis. They were surrounded by competent people that they were familiar with and trusted. Throughout December, Stephanie Evans, APN, and the rest of Dr. Bilimoria's team coached Carole on how to prepare for the Whipple procedure—one of the most complicated surgeries you can have. She had the surgery in January and spent 13 days at NCH.

Carole's surgery was just the first step. Chemotherapy and radiation followed. Each time she and John came to NCH, they experienced unmatched care and concern from every person they encountered—from staff members in the cafeteria who always offered kind words to John to Carole's medical oncologist, Urszula Sobol, M.D., who looked them in the eye and instilled confidence and comfort during her four months of chemo. Then there was Najeeb Mohideen, M.D., who helped her through five weeks of radiation, Dr. Robert Rao who installed her chemo port, and so many nurses and patient care techs—including one nurse, Kim from 6-South, who recognized them six months after Carole's surgery at a neighborhood restaurant and stopped by their table to see how she was doing.

You see, Carole and John tell her story not as a timeline of dates and procedures, but as one personal encounter to the next, highlighting the people who took such great care of Carole and touched their lives forever.

"These people saved my life," Carole says.

"We are not the focus of this story, we are the recipients," John adds.

It was in this spirit that they decided to join the President's Circle. How else could they possibly acknowledge every single person in this year-long journey? Their giving back is a thank-you and an affirmation for all the people they encountered who went beyond just treatment and truly cared.

When you include Northwest Community Hospital Foundation in your estate plan, you become a partner in the future of healthcare at NCH. Contact Gret Luhrs at 847-618-4271 or gluhrs@nch.org to learn about the many ways you can give back.