Donor Impact On
the Patient Experience
“I’m grateful to the nurse who held my hand and sang ‘Moon River’ with me while I went through grueling preparation for tests.”
Dr. Jennifer Anne Katze Kraus, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, is a retired psychiatrist in Baltimore. She is also a member of The Mercy Society, which recognizes individuals who contribute between $1,000 and $9,999 annually in support of Mercy’s mission. A grateful patient, she recently contributed to both Mercy’s Rapid Response Fund that supports pandemic-related needs and the Joseph J. Costa, M.D., Memorial Fund that supports the Critical Care Unit.
In 2018, Jennifer woke from her back surgery procedure with intense nerve pain, requiring strong pain medication. Unfortunately, the side effects of the medication led to a frozen bowel and severe intestinal pain that did not respond to standard treatments. She was told that she might need surgery to remove her colon and possibly save her life. She refused to authorize the surgery and was admitted to Mercy’s Critical Care Unit.
Dr. Joseph Costa suggested a novel medication that could restore motion in her intestines, but posed some risk. He explained that he would closely monitor the treatment to minimize any risk to her and, reassured, Jennifer agreed. It took three trials of the medication for her intestines to regain function – and when they finally did, the ICU staff and Dr. Costa cheered with her!
“Dr. Costa and Mercy saved my life,” Jennifer says. “Everyone helped me in such an exceptionally warm and compassionate way. I’m grateful to the nurse who held my hand and sang ‘Moon River’ with me while I went through grueling preparation for tests. I love all my Mercy doctors—from Dr. Edwards, to Dr. Jeng and Dr. Polito, and especially Dr. Costa—they always listen attentively and try to ensure my safety and comfort. It’s that unique care that makes Mercy so special, and that’s why I’m proud to give back.”
Dr. Jennifer Anne Katze Kraus, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, is a retired psychiatrist in Baltimore. She is also a member of The Mercy Society, which recognizes individuals who contribute between $1,000 and $9,999 annually in support of Mercy’s mission. A grateful patient, she recently contributed to both Mercy’s Rapid Response Fund that supports pandemic-related needs and the Joseph J. Costa, M.D., Memorial Fund that supports the Critical Care Unit.
In 2018, Jennifer woke from her back surgery procedure with intense nerve pain, requiring strong pain medication. Unfortunately, the side effects of the medication led to a frozen bowel and severe intestinal pain that did not respond to standard treatments. She was told that she might need surgery to remove her colon and possibly save her life. She refused to authorize the surgery and was admitted to Mercy’s Critical Care Unit.
Dr. Costa suggested a novel medication that could restore motion in her intestines, but posed some risk. He explained that he would closely monitor the treatment to minimize any risk to her and, reassured, Jennifer agreed. It took three trials of the medication for her intestines to regain function – and when they finally did, the ICU staff and Dr. Costa cheered with her!
“Dr. Costa and Mercy saved my life.” Jennifer says. “Everyone helped me in such an exceptionally warm and compassionate way. I’m grateful to the nurse who held my hand and sang ‘Moon River’ with me while I went through grueling preparation for tests. I love all my Mercy doctors—from Dr. Edwards, to Dr. Jeng and Dr. Polito, and especially Dr. Costa—they always listen attentively and try to ensure my safety and comfort. It’s that unique care that makes Mercy so special, and that’s why I’m proud to give back.”
