From left, are Vyra Smith, Saint Anthony surgery nurse-manager; and Agnes Seitz, Saint Anthony Mission Integration director, who delivered the donations. Next to them are Danielle Rekitzke (holding Carter Rekitzke a son of the soldier) who is a surgical technician at Saint Anthony, Annie Rekitzke wife of soldier Christopher Rekitzke (standing next to her).
SAMC workers help employee’s family cope after fire guts home
CEDAR LAKE - Just home on leave from Iraq, Christopher Rekitzke says words cannot express his gratitude for the support that has been shown his family since their home was gutted by fire Dec. 2.
Rekitzke, who holds the rank of specialist, also is grateful for the support of his other families – the Indiana National Guard and the extended family of community – including Saint Anthony Medical Center – whose employees have donated about $1,000 in cash, two, $50 gift cards, clothing, a kitchen table, dishes and numerous other items to assist his wife Annie and their children, Alexandria, Ashley, Carter and Christopher II. His sister, Danielle Rekitzke, is a surgical technician at Saint Anthony. Following the fire, Agnes Seitz, Saint Anthony Mission Integration director, put out the word to hospital employees, who quickly stepped forward to help. And more is on the way.
“It was a very, very awesome and generous response,’’ said Vyra Smith, surgery nurse-manager, who helped organize the effort. Danielle Rekitzke also is grateful for the help her co-workers have provided. “It’s just been awesome,’’ she said.
Her brother was granted a 15-day leave from his communications duties in Iraq, where he has served six months and will return for six more. He learned of the fire from a Facebook message from his wife. She was informed by her mother, Pam Altop, who lives adjacent to the home.
“I didn’t believe it at first – I thought someone was messing with me,’’ Rekitzke said.
His wife was working at the time of the fire and their four children were staying with her mother. A dog and at least one cat died as a result of the blaze.
The military wasted no time in getting the wheels in motion so Rekitzke could come home. He and his family are staying with Altop and her husband, Dave. “The military family is close and all I kept hearing was, what can I do to help? One of my buddies, Specialist Jeff McNorton, who lives in this area, even offered us a home to stay in,’’ Rekitzke said, adding, I will never be able to thank people enough. It’s a humbling experience. What I live for, my wife and kids, is here and that’s all that matters.’’
Added Annie Rekitzke, “I am grateful and overwhelmed. My faith in mankind has been restored. Out of a tragedy came an outpouring of help.’’ The family will celebrate Christmas early this year, since her husband’s leave time means he will be back in Iraq for the holiday.
But the soldier, who has been in the military for three years and has three more to go, expressed no hesitation about returning to Iraq. “We have a job to do there,’’ he said.
Children in the Short Stay/Pediatrics Unit at Saint Anthony Medical Center were the beneficiaries of a holiday season gift from the Crown Point Swim Club, whose members donated movies, music and video games from their collections to the unit. Spokesman Paul Wellman (not pictured) said the club wanted to give back to the community. "We knew there was a need out there – this is kids helping kids,’’ he said.
