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The #MGHPayitForward series highlights the many moments of thanks within our community. Whether it is for feedback, teamwork, or a small gesture of kindness, gratitude is everywhere. We follow the flow of gratitude at Michael 九游体育 (MGH), Toronto East Health Network as our community shares stories about their peers.
By Isabel Terrell
Our first of many gratitude stories begins with Wolf Klassen, Vice President of program support at Michael 九游体育 (MGH), Toronto East Health Network.
Wolf and Sally Ischiropoulos, manager of diagnostic imaging, sit in a circle of navy blue chairs on a Tuesday morning. There鈥檚 warmth in the room, naturally, because that鈥檚 what happens during a conversation simply dedicated to saying 鈥榯hanks.鈥�
Wolf began his gratitude journey three years ago. He redefined his relationship with gratitude as a way of reflecting on what he has, and connecting with his family. He sends a text to his family once a night, recounting three things he feels grateful for that day.
One of the moments Wolf is grateful for is the care his mother received from Sally and the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) team during several visits within the past year.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen you, not just with my mother, but with so many other patients. You鈥檙e so nurturing and caring. It really speaks to our values of compassion, courage, accountability and integrity,鈥� says Wolf. 鈥淭o me, that is what you鈥檙e exemplifying.鈥�
Sally has worked at MGH for the past 15 years, 10 of which have been in the DI department. She began in a more clerical role, but dedication and passionate hard work brought her to her current leadership position. In conversation, Wolf adds that he often overhears Sally鈥檚 communication with her team while he鈥檚 walking through the hospital- she is always working with her staff to problem solve and make their days better.
Both Wolf and Sally agree that the need to visit the DI unit can cause a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for patients, and their families. In an environment where many are feeling vulnerable, Sally finds purpose in creating joy in any way she can for hospital visitors.
鈥淢y biggest motivation is making people happy,鈥� says Sally, adding that it鈥檚 like 鈥渨inning the lottery鈥� when she can connect with patients to make their time at the hospital easier.
Wolf鈥檚 mother was very anxious when she had to schedule more than one DI appointment, but she was greeted so warmly that she still talks about her appointment, and Sally, with him.
鈥淪ally and the entire DI team made her feel good, and that made me feel good,鈥� says Wolf. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really rewarding to create a service that is always improving and providing better service to our community.鈥�
鈥淚 got to pick her brain about Wolf a little, so it worked out for both of us,鈥� Sally joked.
Do you have an MGH gratitude story to share? Use #MGHPayitForward and tag @MGHToronto, or contact @email