“I really am a believer that everybody, regardless of where you live, regardless of your socio-economic background, you deserve a shot” at a cure, he said. “That’s why I’m here.” Larrieux was recruited by Presbyterian four years ago from the University of Minnesota to perform pancreas transplants in Albuquerque. “If I’m able to get on the plane and go wherever, and it’s a reasonable time, then I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t,” he said. Read the full story: (fb)

⭐Providing a patient perspective: Blesila Hartom, RN⭐ When she was 10 years old growing up in the Philippines, Blesila Hartom helped care for her great aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer. That experience inspired her life’s purpose: to become a nurse and care for people who are sick and need special care until the end of life. Decades later, Blesila continues to pursue her purpose and care for others at Presbyterian where she’s worked since 1989. “I like Presbyterian’s focus on understanding our patients’ needs, serving our community and striving to provide the best care for our community,” she says. In her long tenure here, she’s had the opportunity to be a nurse and nurse educator in various departments. “I have many interests in the nursing field. The beauty of being a nurse is the ability to be flexible and become a specialist in different areas of healthcare.” Blesila brings a unique perspective to her nursing role because not long ago, she became a Presbyterian patient herself. A chronic condition that she’d lived with for years got so severe she couldn’t continue to work as an operating room nurse. Fortunately, Presbyterian’s Neurology Department and neurosurgeons quickly diagnosed the problem and got her into surgery. After a year of heali cng and physical therapy, Blesila was able to go back to work. In what she says is a full circle experience, she joined the Neurosurgery Care team at Presbyterian Hospital as a nurse. “I use my unique perspective to help patients understand what to expect with their treatment and recovery. Because of my own journey, I have extra empathy for them because I’ve been there.” Thank you, Blesila, for your years of service and caring! #NationalNursesWeek (fb)