“Skill, flexibility, compassion and a smile at every turn”

By Darren Gabbert

Darren, of Barnett, shared this story via myBoone Health submission form. Click here to share your story.

My name is Darren Gabbert and I have an advanced form of muscular dystrophy.

Because of the medical expertise and outstanding patient care I received at Boone, I survived three pneumonias in 1993, 1995 and 1997. I had been blessed to be pneumonia free for over 15 years, until January of this year.

Many, but not all, of the faces had changed but the outstanding care was the same. The doctors are excellent, but the ICU nurses are what make sickness bearable and wellness possible.

Mayo Clinic physicians have often marveled over my Boone Hospital records, and commended the quality of care given to my complicated condition.

I continue to work for the University of Missouri-Columbia. I was compelled to share this after my most recent experience at Boone.

On Thursday, July 18, at 1 p.m., I had my tracheostomy changed in the Infusion and Treatment Center, had an impromptu pick line removal in Interventional Radiology, and had my g-tube changed in the GI Lab. Each handoff was seamless! My confidence in Boone Hospital staff was rewarded as I easily got to my 4 p.m. meeting on campus.

Absolutely nothing about my condition is routine, but at Boone it is met with skill, flexibility, compassion and a smile at every turn. Hats off to Boone Hospital and her tradition of excellence.