FIGHTING THE CORONA VIRUS WITH WORDS - BETH WARD FRANCESCONI

Katie, Peter & Anna -

It's a strange war we are fighting in this once in a century global pandemic named COVID-19. The alliances are all countries working together to stop a deadly disease. And the soldiers are you and the nurses, the hospital staff,  the janitors, the delivery personal, mailmen, grocery workers, pharmacists and any other fighter willing to go to a job deemed "essential." All the rest of us can do is STAY HOME and shelter in place.

But we as your family can do one thing from our couches, our desks, our kitchen tables. We can share with each of you how proud we are of every battle you are waging to preserve our lives along with the rest of humanity. And that is the goal of this blog. To share with each of you that though we can't be on the front lines fighting with you hopefully our words provide the inspiration you need to get up and save lives.

And in 2020 what we will remember most:

Stand back six feet

Touch elbows not hands

Practice social distancing

More masks

Stockpile ventilators

Test, test, test

PPE

Howling, cheering, opera singing at 7 pm

It's more deadly than the flu

Wash, wash, wash your hands

As your big sister(and sister in law) I couldn't be more proud or more humbled by the incredible individuals each of you are. Thank you and stay sane and safe. --Beth

BECAUSE OF YOU WE HAVE HOPE - KELLY ALLEN

Peter, Anna and Katie, 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.! Your courage, compassion and sacrifice give us all hope!

Definitely dark uncertain times, but feeling there is light at the end of the tunnel because of you. So grateful and proud to have you as family! Please stay safe... keeping you in my thoughts and prayers everyday! 

With Love - Kelly

SHOUT OUT FROM GEN Z - CAETANO ABRAMSONWARD

Katie, Peter, and Anna,

It is amazing how you all are able to adapt to these changes our world is experiencing and maintain calm. You are all an inspiration to my generation, showing the challenges you are all willing to endure through these obscure and frightening times, in order to help people in need and promote the well being of our society as a whole. I appreciate all the work you have done and hope that you all can remain safe. 

with lots of love, Caetano

A PARTNER'S VIEW - ERIC HAMILTON

Beth has been pestering me about a shout-out to the Covid family frontline for her blog.

Kudos, all, and Godspeed! I usually only have snarky things to say, or creepy ones, on the Dodger’s chat, but Katie has been at this for plus-three weeks straight, 24/7, supervising her interns and Medicine staff, being briefed on worst-best case scenarios by epidemiologists...having C-19 exposures, deaths, and positive tests of her staff... the palpable (she hates when I use that word) fear, sadness, and tears she has brought home has scared me—about her wellbeing, about her best friend and head of med student education Carmen’s wellbeing, and about, primarily, the well-being of the vulnerable people they both serve who are at highest risk of death. 

So I do shout out to all with Rasta love, but particularly, in a respectful, loving sharing, to Katie Ward, of how amazing her commitment and good work is, virus or no, on the frontlines. Now for a quiet, domestic glimpse of green beans and Mac n cheese.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE ARENA DOCTORS - CHARLIE FRANCESCONI

In his 1910 speech, Citizenship in a Republic, Theodore Roosevelt describes “the man in the area”. Antipodal to the man in the arena is the critic. The critic holds power and influence. He points out how the man fails. The critic speaks but does not act. His words are meaningless and non-essential. The man in the arena is passionate and courageous. In the arena he is an unrelenting advocate for his cause. The tasks this man takes on are challenging and he fails. Unlike the critic he can fail because he embodies all who do in this world. The man in the arena faces the might of suffering in this world and decides to act. The man in the arena is essential to this world. Although they may not both identify as men, all three Ward doctors embody the man in the arena. In the face of world pandemic the Ward doctors embrace their title of essential worker. They courageously take on this challenge, poised to conquer the virus haunting citizens globally.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt

BROTHERLY LOVE - BEN FRANCESCONI

Thank you to all the Ward family doctors during these trying times.
There are no words that can be written to show the true gratitude I
have for all of you and the thanks for the amazing things you are
all doing. I want to start this post off by connecting one of my favorite
memories of Peter who gave Charlie and I our first copy of Super
Mario Galaxy for the Wii. I remember playing this game for hours
on end with my brother and it helped us build great bonds. I am
extremely thankful to Peter for giving us this top notch video game
and that deepened our brotherly relationship just like yours with Tommy!

And thanks to Katie who let me experience my first time in the Scooby Do jumpy
bus!

Overall all of the Ward family doctors have given me more than I could ask.
I am grateful for the good they are putting out into the world during these
crazy times and I also hope to see all of you soon. Lots of love!

-Ben 

COUSIN REMINISCING DURING COVID-19 - PAT & MARY NINNEMAN

Anna, Katie and Peter,

Thank you for all your work during these challenging times.  As we shelter in place,
we know you are on the front lines fighting this deadly illness.  Much gratitude for all you do.
We add our note to let you know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. 

I would add some fun photos from our youth but they are all at my Mom's house.
But such good memories from Newport Beach, Christmas in California (Rock Em Sock
Em Robots anyone?), Disneyland and fun in the waves.  And of course Anna and Peter's
amazing wedding!

We also fondly remember Grandma's 100th birthday party and the lovely gathering
at Huntington Beach. 

Stay strong and healthy.  Thoughts and prayers to you and your children. 
And once again ... thank you!

Love, 

Mary and Patrick

PROUD OF OUR DOCTOR COUSINS - WILL & CHRISTINA MATHIS

PRAYER FOR PHYSICIANS - POPE JOHN PAUL & MARY KAY ALLEN

Lord Jesus,

Divine Physician, who in your earthly life showed special concern for those who suffer and entrusted to your disciples the ministry of healing, make us ever ready to alleviate the trials of our brethren.  Make each one of us, aware of the great mission that is entrusted to him, strive always to be, in the performance of daily service, an instrument of your merciful love.  Enlighten our minds, guide our hands, make our hearts diligent and compassionate.  Ensure that in every patient we know how to discern the features of your divine Face.

You who are the Way,  provide us with the gift of knowing how to imitate you every day as medical doctors not only of the body but of the whole person, helping those who are sick to tread with trust their own earthly path until the moment of their encounter with You.

You who are the Truth,  provide us with the gift of wisdom and science in order to penetrate the mystery of man and his transcendent destiny as we draw near to him in order to discover the cause of his malady and find suitable remedies for it.

You who are the Life,  provide us with the gift of preaching and bearing witness to the ‘Gospel of life’ in our profession, committing ourselves to defending it always, from conception to its natural end, and to respect the dignity of every human being, and especially the dignity of the weakest and the most in need.

Make us O Lord, Good Samaritans, ready to welcome, treat, and console those we encounter in our work.  Following the example of the holy medical doctors who have preceded us, help us to offer our generous contribution to the constant renewal of health care structures.

Bless our studies and our profession, enlighten our research and our teaching.  Lastly,  grant to us, having constantly loved and served You in our suffering brethren, that at the end of our earthly pilgrimage we may contemplate your glorious countenance and experience the joy of the encounter with You in your Kingdom of joy and everlasting peace.
Amen.                                                                             
John Paul II.   29 June 2000

Katie, Anna and Peter,

Thank you for answering your vocation to be loving caring Doctors. I hope this beautiful prayer from Pope St. John Paul will give you continued strength during these very hard times and decisions you have to make not to mention putting yourselves in harms way.  My prayers are with you every day and this horrible virus will be defeated.  Thank you for everything you do and are doing.

Love,

Aunt Mary Kay

A DOCTOR MISSIVE - DICK WARD

Blessings to Anna, Katie and Peter

Words at a time like this are gravely inadequate to express the love, admiration, pride, gratitude and joy for what you are and what you do. Your mother in law/mother and father in law/father are praying that each of your missions at this time will save many lives and we are likewise.praying as hard as we can that you will be safe and well. 

God bless you and keep you safe throughout this pandemic time and beyond-Da

PASSION, COMPASSION & COMMITMENT - KATH SALVATY

Katie, you are my hero! You inspire me with your passion, compassion, and commitment -- not just now but always.  Peter, Mrs. Delosa was right when she said you were special. How fortunate that you found Anna -- another exceptional human being and doctor -- to share your life with. 

Katie, Peter and Anna, thank you! We are all thinking of you on the frontline as we shelter in place and attend virtual SweatFests.  We are cheering you on and sending much love and thanks!   

Love,
Kath

PARENTAL INSPIRATION - MAGGIE

Dear mom and dad, thank you so much for inspiring me to work harder everyday. 

You do so so much for me and some times it’s hard for me to recognize.

 You show me everyday how to be a better person. 

I hope to grow up to be just like you. 

Thank You for being you️ Love you! -maggie

SERENITY IN TIMES OF CRISIS - MADELYN FRANCESCONI

Dear Aunt Anna, Uncle Peter, and Aunt Katie,

Thank you so much for fighting for our lives on the front lines during this uncertain and
challenging time. You have been role models to all of the Ward cousins for as long as we can remember, and I am only sorry it took a global pandemic for us to finally express our immense gratitude for your everyday service out loud. During this time, one of my favorite prayers has been the Serenity prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Although this prayer is well known for its association with Alcoholics Anonymous, I
have come to think of it as the “Healthcare Professionals Anonymous” prayer. I hope you find peace with the things which are out of your control and that you can find ways to relieve yourself of the pressure to be “on” all the time. To quote Bon Iver (@Peter), “And at once I knew I was not magnificent”… Know that even though we all think you are magnificent, there will of course be days when there are things (patients, politicians, the public) that are beyond your control and that you cannot fix. Nevertheless, I hope you continue to have the courage to change those things that you can—to treat patients to the best of your ability and keep your loved ones safe. And finally, may you have the wisdom to discern between the two. 

Treat yourself to the little things, knowing that you did everything you could to fight to heal our world.

We love you so much, stay safe, stay healthy, stay smiling. We will see you soon. Madelyn

DEDICATED DOCTORS - PAT SALVATY

Katie and Peter as children you were kind and caring - I loved that!  I was inspired by your dedication and hard work in pursuit of your dreams of becoming doctors - I admire and applaud that!  Anna, I know you are as dedicated and caring as Katie and Peter and love that you have been so welcoming and inclusive!  I am grateful that your patients have such kind, caring and dedicated doctors. 

I think of you all every day and pray that you are safe and will remain that way.  Take good care. 

Keep up the good work!  Don’t forget to care for yourselves. 

 Aunt Pat 

WOW - PAUL SALVATY

Katie, Peter and Anna -- 

I echo all of these sentiments with every fiber of my being! You guys are doing God's work right now during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your dedication and courage! If Grandpa Salvaty were still with us, I know what he would say: "WOW!" I've never blogged before so I'm not sure how to post photos but I will figure that out and do some further blogging in the coming days. In the meantime, much love to you all.

Love, Your Cuz Paul

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! -GRACE

To my incredible parents. You inspire me every day to work just as hard as you do. You promised yourself to always help others in a time of need and today and the many days to come you continue to fulfill that promise. You have taught Ollie, Maggie and me the importance of hard work and determination but also how to love and care for others. You are totally brave, bold and badass and I strive to be just like you. Thank you to the greatest parents!!

A HEALTHCARE HAIKU - TOMMY WARD

Doctors take all shapes

Ours small, skinners, and spry yet...

This virus trembles

LONE STAR GRATITUDE - EDDIE ANA & MARILYN MATHIS FAMILY

From all of us down in Texas, we want to say thank you, Peter, Anna, and Katie, for fighting for all of us--old and young--on the front lines. We are so proud to have family members that are real-life super heroes! 

Love, 

Eddie, Ana, Diego, and Aunt Marilyn

BRAVERY & SUPPORT - RONALDO & TOMASSO ABRAMSONWARD

From Ronaldo:

Stay brave!

From Tomasso:

We love you and are here for you and will support you however we can.

YOU SAVE LIVES - HANS ABRAMSONWARD

THANK YOU for all your brave work during these scary times!  We are at home freaking out about changes to our routines and struggling with how to get our work done with a little bit of inconvenience... while you are out there literally risking your health and sanity to SAVE LIVES.  

it is the most honorable and selfless thing a person could do.

--Hans

AMDG - CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM & PHIL WARD

Anna, Katie and Peter-

We are pleased to join in the family’s expression of gratitude, admiration, and pride in the work all of you are doing and the sacrifices you are making.  Peter will recognize the expression when we say that all three of you are women and men for others.  (Peter- how many times has your father mentioned that Dr. Fauci went to Regis?)  We are praying for you and your work and your families.  Know that we who are hunkered down are deeply moved by your dedication.  May you and Felix, Grace, Maggie, Ollie, Murray and Eric be safe, stay well, and take some comfort and strength from the love of all of us for you.

Claire and Phil

Rx: A LITTLE LAUGHTER TO HEAL THE SOUL - prn - GARY FRANCESCONI

Anna, Peter and Katie:

A big thank you for all you do and the sacrifices you're asked to make for your patients and families during this difficult time.  Even though you are all kinda rough on us pharma folks at times (not me personally, but you know what I'm talking about!), I'm hoping this brave new world will bring the "lions and lambs" of pharma and HCPs together in victory against the invisible threat!

Finally, as a small gift from me (remember, the Pharma brother-in-law?!?) with hopes of giving you a brief moment to smile and maybe giggle a bit with your colleagues amidst the stress, here' s a little joke from the hallowed halls of the University of Notre Dame: 

God was spotted walking around Notre Dame's campus last week. 

A priest asked "Dear Lord, what has brought you to our campus?" 

God replied, "Oh, I think it's best that we all model appropriate 'social distancing' so... I'm working from home these days, of course!"

Please feel free to share with your HCP colleagues (or your favorite Pharma sales rep!) and pass along the smile.

Best wishes for you, your families and your patients.

- Gary

IN LINE WITH BILLIONS - JANIE KUHNMENCH

I stand in line with millions, no, billions of people that

are so grateful for your bravery, kindness and dedication.

I am so proud of you. My prayers are with you. 

Katie, Anna and Peter, you are my heroes!

PRAYERS - MOLLY RIDGES

To my amazing cousins, please stay safe and know that we are all praying for you!

THE POWER OF SEEDS - MEGAN ABRAMSONWARD

This poster expresses the sentiment of our doctor heroes.  Seeds may seem small or insignificant and less than powerful, but seeds are quite the opposite.  Covid 19 tries to bury us but our doctors are a powerful force.  They are the seeds that will help all of us overcome this disease.  Their patience, knowledge, resourcefulness , and bravery grows. They will lead us out of this unstable time. Thank you!  Seeds are our source to live!  We are eternally grateful to you, Katie, Peter, and Anna, as you care for others.

MY CHILDREN ARE MY HEROES - ANN WARD

You are the greatest heroes in this story.
Your intelligence, bravery and compassion
are the saving grace of this nation surviving this dark episode.
Thank you for your service to humanity.

Much love to you Katie, Peter and Anna

Mom