Something powerful took place in the Blessing Hospital Emergency Center recently. It didn’t have to do with medicine. It was about faith. The following letter recounts that event. It was written by Blessing Health Information Systems leader Charla Martin - a friend of the Leftwich family of Palmyra, MO – to Blessing Emergency Center physician Vincent Boston, MD:
“Dear Dr. Boston,
On Saturday, April 23, you worked tirelessly on my best friend’s son, Gage Leftwich. He went to the ER by ambulance and arrived unresponsive.
His parents told me what a wonderful job your team did and they know you did absolutely everything in your power to save their sweet boy.
They also told me that after Gage passed away, they witnessed something they will never forget. They caught a glimpse of you gathering your team in a circle and holding hands around their son. While they could not hear everything, they knew you were praying for their sweet boy. At their worst hour, you and your team brought a great calmness to them.
If you teach just one thing to other doctors, teach that.
As their friend and also a leader here at Blessing, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Gage Leftwich lived for 22 years with an ultra-rare genetic disease that it took healthcare providers from around the country more than 14 years of his life to diagnose – NGLY 1 Deficiency. It is a disease where cells don’t recycle properly, causing sugars and proteins to clog the liver causing damage to it, and eventually to the brain, too. There is no cure for NGLY 1 Deficiency.
The disease took Gage’s life. However, as evidenced by his impact on the hearts of the Blessing Hospital Emergency Center team, Gage’s life left a mark on everyone with whom he came in contact.
Following are portions of Gage’s eulogy, written by his parents Greg and Jennifer. He was also loved deeply by his sister, Bailey, and his brother, Taylor:
“Gage was a true gift. We were so privileged that God entrusted us with his life and care. We always knew his time with us was limited and that this day would come, but we chose joy to have him in our lives and decided to be sad later, making the most of every day.”
“Thank you for teaching us to enjoy the simple things…Your smile brightened every day. For a boy who never uttered a word, you spoke volumes and God showed his Truth. You taught us about unconditional love, patience and the simple pleasures of life”
“We are so sorry you are gone, but we are so grateful that you were here.”