$13,820.00

The Story
Helen worked at NYU Winthrop University Hospital, now known as NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island for over fifteen years. Her last job was in the legal department as a risk manager. On September 13, 2019, while at work going from building to building, Helen was struck as a pedestrian crossing the street. My wife sustained severe brain trauma as well as other bodily injuries. After a six week battle, operations, and procedures, Helen left us to go to heaven.

Helen
There is a Greek word that I came across recently. The word Filotimo does not exist in any other language. Filotimo involves personal pride, dignity, courage, duty, sacrifice, and logical thinking. It is courtesy among others, one self, and your duty to show and demand it. Helen liked to make everything and everyone around her special. It was her natural way, she didn’t even have to think about it. When you spoke to Helen, she listened, she cared what you said. Helen always showed people respect. My wife worked hard, always doing her best at work. All who came into contact with her would say Helen always cared. At home with family and friends, we all were touched by her natural way.

NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island/SICU
From the first moment of Helen's care, until the very last moment, Helen was in good hands. The entire staff at NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island are extraordinary people. The special care that Helen received was incredible. Dr. Joseph, Dr. Hannah, Dr. Baldasar, Dr. Rubin, Dr. Grant the gifted surgeon, as well as so many other doctors. All the PA’s, technicians, Shun the pharmacist, Lyndsey the dietician, physical therapists deserve so much credit and recognition. All were such caring special people. They were always willing to explain everything, always taking the time. They all saved her life, gave her a chance for a miracle. When Helen was transferred to Good Shepherd Hospice at Mercy Medical Center, the special care continued. The staff at Good Shepard were so compassionate to Helen, myself and family.

SICU nurses
Spending six weeks in a SICU unit can change the way you see things in life. I’m an observant person. And what I saw were young men and women who truly have a passion for what they do. I will never forget Helens first two nurses. Kristen, and Suzette. They worked so hard keeping my wife alive, the pressure on them was palpable. All the nurses following days and nights, weeks showed such care and compassion. Curran, Danielle, Jessica, Anthony, Russell, little Faye, Faye, took care of my wife but also took care of my family. Nurse manager Nicole is a very special person. It was our conversations that gave me the idea of this nursing fund.

The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund
Education in this country is so important, whatever industry or career. Observing the layers of staffing in a hospital really impressed me. Coordinating all these layers, medically, technically, communicating must be very complicated. For nurses to continually educate themselves is one of the aspects that makes our health care industry so special. Raising two sons, both getting their degree, and further, I’m fully aware of the burden of tuition and the cost of education. I would like to help relieve part of that burden. That is my goal, to offer a scholarship to a nurse in critical care who wants to further his or her education.

I don’t want my wife’s tragedy to go in vain. Helen always helped people, she was a giver. Please consider a yearly commitment to this fund.

You may go online, or mail a check to the development office or to me and I will forward it to hospital.

http://giving.nyulangone.org/goto/skelos

As well as raising money for the fund, Helen's good life will be celebrated. Helen would be so touched.

Thank you so much for all your support.

Stay safe and healthy.

Nicholas B.Skelos                                     
The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund                          

NYU Langone Health.             
Office of Development & Alumni Affairs
One Park Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10016

IMO Helen B Skelos