Recently my family and I spent way more time at UPMC Altoona than we would have wished. Our beloved mother spent time in the ER, ICU, 7th Floor, and finally Palliative Care on the 14th floor.

During the many weeks she was there, we encountered nothing but the most excellent medical care. Along with that, we never dealt with one single person who was not kind, considerate, empathetic, patient and skilled. The aides, the nurses, the doctors, even the people who cleaned the room, never saw us without asking if my mother needed anything or if WE needed anything.

The security guards, the orderlies, the people who run the food court, the people who greet you in the ER — all were polite and friendly every single time.

I had heard the horror stories about UPMC, and when we knew mom was going to be there for a while, we were concerned. But our story is not a horror story. It is a story of wonderful, hardworking people, who all did their best to make a most difficult time, a little easier.

My family and I greatly appreciated everything they all did for us and for my Mom and we offer them our deepest thanks.

Lisa Surkovich,

Hollidaysburg,

and the family of Anna Westrick