Why Our Patients Trust St. Vincent's

Ann E. Ballas: Answering the Call

Nursing can be a job, or it can be a calling. In the case of Ann E. Ballas, RN, CRN, it is definitely a calling. Ann has been a nurse at St. Vincent’s Medical Center for more than 30 years and is currently the charge nurse in the Radiology Department, where she oversees complex interventional procedures. She recently received the Pasquariello Award as 2010 Employee of the Year, certainly an impressive recognition. What really makes Ann so special to her patients is her caring, nurturing and sensitive nature. Read more >

Lou Fernous, Jr.: Living Life Well

Lou and Eileen Fernous can say that with confidence and pride. They are living a  good life raising a family and both being good patrons in their community. Finally enjoying retirement, Lou wanted to spend his time giving back to people. Eileen had volunteered at St. Vincent’s for 20 years and inspired Lou to see if it would be a good fit for him. Little did he realize the extent of that “fit.”  Read more >

Lucy Palmucci: Compassionate Hands

The face of Lucy Palmucci, RN, is what her patients see before and after their surgery. As part of the skilled, compassionate and well-trained nursing staff at St. Vincent’s, she is proud of her position as Operating Room Nurse. “I was inspired at the age of eight to become a nurse. I had abdominal surgery and the nurses were wonderful.” She answered her calling and has been a nurse for 25 years, specializing as a surgical nurse for 23 years. Read more >

Isabel Todisco: Survivor

Isabel Todisco is a survivor. Having gone through three surgeries for cancer, she is thankful to be living strong. Isabel has lived in the area all her life, and St. Vincent’s has always been the hospital of choice for her health care, saying “I gave birth to all of my children there (daughters, Louise, Linda and Lorraine, as well as her son, John) and my family and I have always had a positive experience at St. Vincent’s. Read more >

Anastasia Fleischer: Finding A Bright Side

Imagine you’re laid off from your job of 25 years.  You’re left with just one month of health insurance and no job prospects.  Then, imagine you’re told you have cancer.  For 60 year old Anastasia Fleischer of West Haven, Connecticut, this unfortunate scenario was, and is, a reality. 

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for an aggressive form of breast cancer. Read more >