Devon Mabius Honors

A note to Marilyn: Hi Marilyn, I saw a picture of your therapy dog, Jane on UPMC’s Facebook page today and I wanted to reach out to you. I wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciated you and Jane visiting with my aunt in the hospital in early June. You and Jane were sitting in the lobby and I initially walked by you but decided to go back to see if you could visit my aunt on the 7th floor. She had been in the hospital, went home and was then readmitted less than 24 hours later. My aunt and uncle have a 14 year old schnauzer, Lexie and the day she was home, was the last time she got to see Lexie. It meant a lot to have Jane come see her because I know how much she missed her dog and couldn’t see her. I’ve been in healthcare for almost 7 years, as a patient care assistant and as a nurse. This is the first time I’ve been on the other side of things as a family member watching their loved one in the hospital bed. After that day, I went home and said to my parents, “I don’t think Marsha is going to be coming home.” I wanted to make sure her last few days were good days. She passed 2 days later on June 3rd. I’m glad I turned around and asked because I know how small things like that can make a huge difference and brighten a patient’s day. It was the first time I saw Marsha smile during the several months she was in the hospital. Thank you for all you and Jane do for patients and their families. With love, Devon Mabius

“It was the first time I saw Marsha smile during the several months she was in the hospital. Thank you for all you and Jane do for patients and their families.”

— Devon Mabius