THANK YOU LETTERS

Dear CARS responders of April 21, 2008,

I write to say thanks and give a commendation for the care, compassion and professionalism of your responders to an MVA on Monday, April 21, 2008, shortly after 11:36 a.m. at intersection of the EB US 250 off- ramp and Barracks Road. C'ville Officer Craig Sorokti was on the scene and summoned CARS. Both cars ended up being 'totaled.'

I was the injured Maryland driver of the 2003 VW Golf. It was drizzling. I was kinda damp and chilly. Kinda woozy. Once I was fairly sure the other driver did not have injuries, and your crew appeared so swiftly, I remember suddenly being ludicrously over- anxious about my expensive classical guitar, laptop, GPS, phone, wallet; I didn't want them to be left in the car when it was towed to impound. With care, humor and gentle handling, the CARS crew strapped me to a backboard, stowed me in the CARS van, brought the other driver in too, and even assured that my valued items came along too, before transporting us to UVa Hospital ER. Their steady, soothing talk and ministrations kept my anxiety level from getting too elevated. I was so relieved. (I'd never been in a serious accident before, so this was all a new and mysterious process to me.)

Though I regret their names escape me if I ever even registered them that fuzzy-headed morning, your crew were marvelous and so compassionate. I was in shock and not very coherent, but I remember enough to know your crew did good by me and the other driver that day. One CARS woman at the scene even stopped by the ER to check on my later. I mean, really above and beyond.

I drive to C'ville regularly to visit my aging Dad at Morningside Assisted Living. I'll feel that much more secure on my future trips, knowing CARS and your fine folks are there.

Thanks for all you do.

J.M.K.
Monkton, MD

Thank you for being there for us when we needed you.

M. & N.S.
Charlottesville

Charlottesville Rescue Squad,

Thank you for all of your care and support of my sister-in-law, F.H. Your fine work and devotion is greatly appreciated!

S.H.C.
La Quinta, CA

Dear "CARS"

Please accept the enclosed as a donation towards your current capital campaign.

Keep up the great work!

J.F.
Charlottesville

John Burruss

Thank you so much for allowing me to shadow you last Saturday in your capacity as Duty 1. I learned a great deal, and I especially appreciated your sharing your wisdom and your caudoz as we talked.

We're working hard to make Scottsville Rescue a strong organization and your willingness to help us gain insight as to "how it's done" was very helpful.

Again, many thanks to you and to all at CARS!

Mac
SVRS

When my brother (H.J.) was a resident at Winterhaven your services were needed several times. He passed away in January.

He had a little money left and I know he would want me to send you a donation. Your service is excellent. I wish to go on record as being against the prosed second operation. I see nothing but problems in the future.

Thanks so much for "being there".

Sincerely,
M.S.
Charlottesville

Mike Bannister, Glen Glazebrook, Robert Walker, Shravan Kumar, Chelsea McLean

Please accept the enclosed as a token of our appreciation for the prompt response and care that you gave in attempting to revive R.C. the evening of March 24th.

It was gratifying to see so much dedication and skill at work.

Best Wishes to each of you.

P.C.
M.C.

Thanks so much for taking care of me last week. It is so good to have tender loving care when necessary. You do a wonderful job - "and thanks to Andy".

God Bless!

P.C.

John Burruss and Sarah Ferrell

Dear John,

I can't thank you and Sarah enough for coming out and surprising Matthew on his birthday!! He was thrilled beyond belief and thoroughly enjoyed talking to you. Needless to say, the ride to school was the icing on the cake! I can't imagine a more fabulous birthday for a 10-year-old boy than what you provided. He will never forget it. Thank you again for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

Please tell Sarah how much Keith and I enjoyed talking to her on our ride to school also. It was all great fun.

I am enclosing a donation to further express my appreciation for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Laura Jelks
Charlottesville

To All the Great Volunteers,

We sincerely believe in what you folks do on a daily basis. Keep up the great work you do.

Please accept this donation from the Men's Auxillary of Veteran's of Foreign Wars, to do with as needed.

Sincerely,

Warren Loeser - President
Charlottesville

Dear CARS,

I can't thank you enough for the prompt response to the 911 call to my father's house. I am happy to report he is back home and doing well. Thank you so much for the quality care you provided on Tuesday, March 4.

All my best,

D.S.
Charlottesville

Thank you for being so kind.

J.S.
Charlottesville

Once again it's time to say a sincere thank you to the Squad for a ride to Martha Jefferson - this time February 23.

I hope this check will help a little for the expenses of that trip.

Sincerely,

M.K.
Charlottesville

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thank you for all you do for the community. And thank you for being there whenever my family has had need of your emergency services.

Sincerely,

A.P.
Charlottesville

Noah Madden, Mike Berg & Anastasia Crihfield

Dear everyone,

I want to tell everyone how grateful I am for the care you gave to my father on Friday night, Feb.15, through Saturday evening, Feb. 16, when he was having trouble breathing.

First, CARS was there immediately. Not only did you make my 81-year-old dad comfortable and treat him respectfully and kindly, but when the paramedic on your team, Mr. Berg, saw me later in the ER, he asked about my dad by name. Which meant the world to me. I've been a supporter of CARS for several years now and as you can imagine, that will only continue.

I am amazed and so very, very grateful. Thank you, everyone, for caring for one elderly man who was visiting from out of town, and thereby giving his daughter (and his wife) such a blessing.

Warmly,
D. J. M.
Charlottesville

Lauren Menzies, Carrie Weber, Jason Inofuentes, Brian Meffle, Bobby Rose

Dear Sir/Madam,

We want to thank you all so much for the rescue of my husband on November 29, 2007. My husband had broken his ankle on November 17 and two weeks later a clot had formed in his lungs and he couldn't breathe. It was too close!

By the grace of God, emergency crews of the rescue squad and the UVA Hospital, I still have him! The doctor at the UVA Emergency Room said he was turning blue and they were all wondering if they were going to get the clot solved in time.

May God bless each of you who had even a small part in working this miracle.

Sincerely,
E. & L.W.
Charlottesville

I was staying with my daughter following surgery. A couple of days later I was rushed to the hospital by your rescue squad. Accept this contribution as thanks for your service.

P.M.
Charlottesville

Happy Valentines Day! Thanks you so very much for all you do for our community. Enjoy the cookies!

XOXO

Northridge Youth Group
Charlottesville

I am sending a small check with much care and many thanks to all of you good caring people. It is a comfort, after having two heart attacks, to know that CARS is out there to help. I am most thankful to all of you.

I will send money when I can. No where else can one get the kindness with authority of knowing how to take care of what's going on.

With respect and Pray God to keep us all safe.

M.C.
Charlottesville

As a token of our appreciation, we wish to honor the life of J.L. by presenting the enclosed certified check of $100.00 to your Rescue Squad. Use the monies to purchase supplies, equipment or other needs.

We also thank and honor you for your professional service to members of your community and wish you safe continous service to those in need.

Cousins and Relatives of J.L.
Charlottesville

To Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad,

hank you for the service you provide to the community.

Sincerely,

H. & V.C.
Charlottesville

Tommy Mulcahey, Laura Bonner & Patrick Starling

Dear Tommy, Patrick and Laura,

Here's a little token of our deep appreciation for the quick response and excellent care on the evening of December 4th. S. was 9 months pregnant and her uterus had ruptured. Your timely drive to the hospital and the care given during the ride were crucial to the success of the emergency c-section birth of W.Y. at 7:03 am. We are so grateful to your part in bringing our little Christmas miracle into the world!

Sincerely,

S., S., K., E., H., and W.Y.
Charlottesville

The enclosed check is sent in sincere appreciation for the ride to MJH on January 7. Your young crew did a remarkable job - as usual. So good to see young folks so interested in community affairs.

So long for now, but there will be another time!

Sincerely,

M.B.K.
Charlottesville

Dear Rescue Squad Angels,

Many thanks for getting my husband up. So far, there is no evidence of damage except to his ego. You are truly angels with halos.

Thank you,

Mrs. S.A.
Charlottesville

Thank you for taking my mom to the hospital. I like you guys!

Elizabeth (age 4)
Charlottesville

Many thanks to all for all the wonderful job you do in Charlottesville. Happy New Year in 2008!

Mrs. G.B.
Charlottesville

Thank you for your wonderful volunteer service and committment to our community. We hope that this donation of $1,000.00 will help enable you to continue reaching out to those who need your help in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

G. & K.O.
Charlottesville

Please accept this small check in honor of all of you members of CARS. Keep up the good work and to hell with the idiots at City Hall.

Thank you,

J.W.
Charlottesville

Thank you for your instant response to my heart attack - your service was excellent.

G.B.

Charlottesville

Keep fighting City Hall.

N.E.C.
Charlottesville

Thanking you for your help on November 11 when you took me to the Martha Jefferson Hospital Emergency Room. I appreciate so much all you did or me.

Thank you,

M.H.B.
Charlottesville

Dayton Haugh, Stephanie Morton & Matt Harback

Dear Dayton Haugh,

You and your team came to our aid on January 1, 2008, when I suffered unconsciousness due to hypoglycemia. We are extremely grateful for all the skill and efficiency provided in a potentially life threatening situation. I am doing quite well now, thanks to you and all the other men and women in attendance that day.

Sincerely,

M. & E.R.
Charlottesville

Dear CARS,

Thank you. I appreciate what you do for the community. Lots of us do what we can; I've been donating blood on a regular basis for years. I'm sorry Charlottesville thinks they need a separate emergency response team. Maybe it will take some of the load off of your shoulders. Also, I'm sorry that you didn't meet your fund raising goal this year. Please consider my check as an addition to my 2007 donation.

Sincerely yours,

D. & A. N.
Charlottesville

On behalf of the Men's Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1827, please accept this donation. We appreciate all the great work you do. We are proud to have people like you serving our community.

One of your best is a member of our Post, and we (and you) are lucky to call him friend. Mr. Larry Mraz.

Sincerely,

Warren Loesen
President - Malex

Will Barnhardt, Jackie Ripollone & Chris McKibbin

Dear Rescue Volunteers,

I moved here September 2006 and on 10-18-07 your squad was called and I was taken to the ER at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

I found out there was no need for dread because your team was so caring, thoughtful and helpful, which relaxed me.

Really, there are no words to fully express my gratitude so I am enclosing a check.

By the way, I am most annoyed with the City Council's steps to change the rescue operation when you people have been for decades doing such a great job for its citizens.

May you all have a happy, healthy and rewarding New Year!

Gratefully,

A.D.B.
Charlottesville

Praying that you will make the goal. Thank you for your volunteer work and services.

D. & S. H.
Charlottesville

Will Barnhardt, Kathy Craig & Sarah Lawson

To Whom It May Concern,

I write to thank three members of your organization - Will Barnhardt, Kathy Craig and Sarah Lawson - for the service they provided in transporting me from my doctor's office to the emergency room at Martha Jefferson Hospital on December 13th. They were very competent and personable and I appreciate what they did for me.

I thanked them that day, but please thank them again for me.

R.M.
Charlottesville

Dear Benevolent Fund Recipient,

An important part of the Grand Home Furnishings philosophy has always been improving the quality of life for all citizens in the communities in which we live. True to this philosophy, Grand Employees weekly contribute a portion of their earnings to the Grand Benevolent Fund.

Your organization has been selected by Grand Employees in your community as a recipient of these funds. We are proud to partner with you and support you in your efforts as you strive to ensure a higher quality of life for our neighbors, family and friends.

Wishing you and your organization much success in 2008.

Chad Batten, Assistant Store Manager
Patricia Griffin, Credit Manager
Becki Folks, Store Manager

Andrew Barros and Gilbert Monroe

Sirs,

Please accept this donation with my sincere gratitude for help when I needed it. Andrew was a very pleasant young man as was his buddy Gilley.

You all do a wonderful job of helping us when we need it. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a year of happiness and Peace.

Sincerely,
Mrs. G. Y.
Charlottesville

A donation in thanks to the ones that responded to the 911 call to Oakhill Drive for J.C. Thank you so much for the nice people that attended.

G.C.
Charlottesville

Lauren Menzies, Michael Shukis & Liza Spengler

This check is sent with all my thanks.

On the evening of September 13th, my husband called 911 because I was having chest pains. We live in Glenmore and you came promptly. The squad that came and took me to UVA Hospital gave me excellent care and I am very grateful! God bless all of you!

Sincerely,
D.B.
Keswick

Dear Helpful Angels,

Many thanks for getting my husband back in his wheelchair last Sunday. Enclosed is a check that I hope will help.

Merry Christmas!

A.A.
Charlottesville

Linda Johnson, Michael Hawkinson & Anthony Judkins

Dear CARS,

Thank you so much for caring for my stepfather, S.C., on December 26, 2006. He had become ill on Christmas Day and was unable to walk by the next day. We assumed that he was dehydrated from a viral illness, but we were unable to get him to the car to take him to the Emergency Room. CARS helped us to get him to UVA's ER where he was hydrated. After his 3rd liter of IV fluids, his labs returned and showed he had elevated cardiac enzymes and was in complete renal failure with a metabolic acidosis (pH 6.95). Since he had to history of renal disease of cardiac failure we were puzzled. He was aggressively treated all night in the ICU and was starting to stabilize. The next morning he went for a CT scan of his abdomen, looking for a potential abscess. While transferring to the CT table he arrested with pulseless electrical activity. His final diagnosis was death from massive septicemia, although we never obtained positive blood or urine cultures. Several months later, his autopsy revealed that he had died from a ruptured thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm that must have been progressing for several days - cutting off blood supply to his kidney and portions of his heart.

I wanted to write and thank you for all of your help and kind care you took when helping S. He was a World War II bomber pilot that was given all of the dignity and care that anyone could have asked for.

Thank you for your services!!

Sincerely,
M.B. and the C. Family
Charlottesville

We give thanks to you again for saving I's life on 2-11-05.

C. S.
Charlottesville

Dear members of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad,

Please accept my husband, D., and my most heartfelt "thank you" for being "there" whenever any of us need your help.

You have helped me personally twice in the almost six years we have lived in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. And I don't know what I would have done without you, without your wonderful calmness and your tremendous knowledge, without your willingness to serve all of us so selflessly. We hope our contribution shows our gratitude in some small way. We hope to send more in the future.

Thank you again for your service to all of us in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area.

Sincerely,
H. & D. K.
Earlysville

Jason Le, Charlie Smith & Liza Spengler

Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad,

To the lady and gentlemen who helped me at Cabell Hall on Sunday, November 11. Thank you for all your tender loving care. Cabell Hall is such a difficult place to maneuver a stretcher - you did so very well.

Charles Smith checked on me in the emergency room when in on another call. I appreciate the attention this group of people gave to me.

I am enclosing a check to help you continue the fine service you give to the residents of Charlottesville.

Sincerely,
A.B.
Charlottesville

Adam Cohen, Shravan Kumar and Sarah Ferrell

Dear Sir,

On October 23, 2007 we called for the rescue squad for help at about 8:15 pm. Our poodle get her leg caught in the wire in a metal cage. It started to swell and we could not get it out. She was screaming in pain. My husband tried to cut the wire but we were totally helpless as we are 76 & 77 and have no strength. I asked my husband to hold the dog to help keep pressure off of her leg while got the cell to call for help. He reached right down in front of her mouth and accidentally bumped her while she was screaming in pain and she bit him on the finger. It started to bleed fast and got him upset. He is diabetic and a heart patient.

I had no muzzle to put on her as we never had a dog that bit. The rescue man that came in from the rescue squad truck said he would try to cut the wire to free her. After a short while he was able to cut the wire and free her. They then took my husband to the hospital to be treated.

I know we never would have gotten this dog out ourselves as we were not strong enough to cut the wire. We both were beyond helping her. We were emotionally upset beyond control at this time. She would still be there today if it was not for your help.

I want to say than you with all my heart for your kind help. The rescue man was very brave to do this since we did not have the dog muzzled. My heart says thank you. I just want you all to know how grateful we are for your kind help. I know Sabrina was also because when her foot came out she just laid there and looked at the man with kindness.

I know it is not much as we live on social security, but enclosed is a check to return some kindness to you.

Sincerely,
Mrs. D. M.
Charlottesville

John Burruss & Benjamin Sojka

Gentlemen,

This is written in behalf of my family and me to express our thanks and deep appreciation for the attention and assistance you gave to my wife this past Saturday evening, following the U-Conn - UVA football game.

I'm afraid the situation would have become more serious if we had not received your attention and the ride back to our car, parked at "The Jack".

I'm happy to report that our return trip to Connecticut was without incident and my wife survived the episode well.

We were impressed with the availability and the efficiency of the service provided by your volunteer Rescue Squad. Enclosed is a voluntary contribution to demonstrate our appreciation.

Sincerely,
H.G.
Willimantic, CT

Jeff Reynolds & Gilbert Monroe

Gentlemen,

My husband and I were traveling in Virginia last week and stopped at Charlottesville to tour Monticello on Tuesday, October 30th. We checked in at the Holiday Inn on 5th Street and my husband missed a step and fell in the parking lot. The staff kindly called you and the men that came were extremely professional, very caring and kind. My husband did not want to go to the hospital as he thought he was not seriously hurt, but, shortly after we went to our room, I called the desk to ask for another squad to take him to the hospital. This time both the fire engine and rescue squad came and, once again, treated my husband with kindness and professionalism. They did take him to the ER and I followed in my car.

It was scary to be in a city that your are not familiar with and have to deal with an accident, but, everyone we came into contact with were very nice people. I just wanted to write to thank you again for your concern and kindness - even though I know it is your job, but it really helped to have understanding people coming to your aid.

Many thanks!
Mrs. L.S.
Fallston, MD

Thanks for always being there for us. My husband passed away in January 2006 and you were there for him each time we had to call.

Thanks,
Mrs. M.C.
Charlottesville

Thanks to each of you for the great service you provide for our community. It is greatly appreciated and God Bless each of you!

Sincerely,
E.H.A.

Andrew Barros, Jason Inofuentes and Jay Lavine

To Whom it Concerns,

On October 3rd I passed out at the Rio Hills Shopping Center. The Rescue Squad was called and I was taken to the Martha Jefferson E.R. and was hospitalized for three days.

The two young men who took such good care of me were Andrew and Jason. They were most efficient and very professional. Not a minute was wasted in starting an IV and an EKG and at the same time being most cheerful and encouraging. They are to be commended and we are fortunate to have such caring volunteers in our city.

K.K.W.
Charlottesville

Dear Sirs,

We have lived here over 50 years and only recently called on you for help.

My husband has high blood pressure, diabetes, back surgery, difficulty working, etc. We thought he was stroking! You were so kind to us - you sent a group of 7 or 8 people! They were all so dedicated and kind. What a country we live in, to have such people. We are truly blessed!

Please accept this small token and our apologies for the false alarm!

You have no idea what it means to us elderly to know you are there for us! Our very best to you!

T. & J. S.
Charlottesville

Anthony Judkins & Suzanne Herndon

Dear Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad:

I want to express my appreciation for the incredible service you offer our community.

On May 18th, I was transported to the Martha Jefferson Hospital Emergency Room by CARS. If my memory is correct, the volunteers were named Susan and Anthony. Although both of them provided outstanding service, I had the most opportunity to observe Anthony as he took care of me in the back of the ambulance.

I was profoundly impressed with Anthony's professionalism, attention to detail, concern and demeanor.

Please communicate my sincere appreciation to your staff (and especially Susan and Anthony) for the contribution they make to the quality of life in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area.

Sincerely yours,
K.O.
Charlottesville

Shumar Kumar, Erin McElwain and Tucker Mudrick

I wanted to thank you for helping me two Tuesdays ago when you picked me up from my neighbor's house. You were all very nice and kind.

Thank you!
L.Z.
Charlottesville

Back in April 2006, my sister, brother-in-law and I were in a bad car accident at the intersection of Rt 250 right outside your station. We were very grateful for the help we received from the rescue squad, and thankfully we were all ok except for some bumps and bruises. I was pregnant at the time, so it was especially scary for me. I'm happy to report that S.C.W. was born healthy and happy August 16th!!!

M.W.
Charlottesville

Thanks to you all, especially to Farrell Long!! Thank you Farrell for your witness and prayers - God bless you!!

C.W.
Charlottesville

Thanks so much for your wonderful and professional work!

P.M.

Amanda Hunt, Maria Moreno, Jason Le and Jennifer Liebsch

Dear Friends,

We want to thank you for your prompt response to our 911 call on the morning of Monday, August 27th. We will be forever grateful to the crew that arrived and cared for E. Please pass along our appreciation and accept the enclosed check. We feel most fortunate to live in this beautiful community where emergency medical care is so readily available.

Smiles and Thanks!!

E.E. & J.G.
Charlottesville

Todd Summers & Rusty Fitzgerald

I appreciated so very much the help your people gave yesterday morning around five o'clock when they lifted my husband from the floor and restored him to bed.

V.L.

Thank you for being there when I needed you!

N.B.
Charlottesville

Dear Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad

Please accept this check in loving memory of A. L. B; who died peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Your compassion and knowledge in every crisis has helped so many in our community, including myself. May God bless you!

Sincerely,
Mrs. A. B.

To: Dayton Haugh, CARS Chief

I wish to commend the CARS crew and the Charlottesville Fire Dept for the excellent care provided for a child today prior to admission to the UVA ED.  The providers on scene responded with appropriate CPR and placed an IO line that was invaluable to our resuscitation. I want to thank the entire team who include: