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A Family's Ordeal Inspires Gratitude and Generosity
In the spring of 2005, Virgil
Icasiano almost lost everything.
His wife Johanna, who was
14 weeks pregnant, suffered a
diabetic seizure and was brought
to the Emergency Department at
Jersey Shore University Medical
Center. Johanna was unconscious
and had to be admitted to the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where
she remained for nine weeks.
Weeks of Waiting and Worry Lead to a Miracle
Fortunately for Virgil, his family
was brought to a comprehensive
care facility and Jersey Shore
became Virgil's second home for
those nine weeks. All the staff
spent time above and beyond their
regular duties to be with Virgil and
his pregnant wife. Day and evening
sitters held her hand and stroked her
hair to keep her calm, honoring Virgil's
wish to avoid giving her sedative drugs.
After nine long weeks, Johanna woke up
from this state, a very rare occurrence.
"I truly believe that the actions of Jersey
Shore's staff played a huge role in Johanna
eventually waking up," says Virgil.
However, when Virgil and Johanna's
son, Virgil Calvin, was born, he had health
problems of his own and was brought
to the Neonatal ICU at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. The physicians and
nurses there took the time to speak to
Johanna and Virgil, explaining all of young
Virgil's treatments and procedures. Virgil
Calvin was cared for by an extraordinary
team of dedicated caregivers, colleagues of
those who had cared for his mother.
During the holiday season of 2005,
Virgil's wishes came true: His family was
together at home — something he never thought would happen when
Johanna was rushed to the hospital
in the spring of that year. And
now another miracle has occurred
for their family — in February
2007, Johanna gave birth to a
baby girl.
Giving Back
With grateful thanks for the outstanding
care provided at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center
and K. Hovnanian Children's
Hospital, Virgil and Johanna's
extended family made a gift in
support of the Medical Center.
Donations from grateful
families and patients serve as a
testament to the good works
done at the medical centers,
and help purchase equipment
and develop programs that allow
the physicians, nurses, and staff
to continue the lifesaving work they do
each day.
 – Jennifer Brown
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