Dear Dr. Noseworthy, Jeff Bolton, Dr. Mark Ciota and Dr. Bobbi Gostout,

I feel compelled to write to make you aware of how much my family and I have respected and appreciated the care we have received at Mayo Clinic. Our most recent experience was with my husband, Dave, who passed away last November. He was hospitalized both in Rochester and Albert Lea for approximately two weeks each time.

Because we live in Alden, the Albert Lea location was much closer. Both these hospitalizations were emotional. The care we received at both locations was exceptional. The ability to have him in Albert Lea gave us the comfort of sleeping in our own beds. Even though it was a rotation, I could hug my dog, watch birds in my own backyard and sit on my patio to pray.

Another aspect of Mayo I have appreciated is the respect for culture. I am a retired nurse and worked in the Albert Lea location in various positions over the years. I learned a lot about understanding various cultures.

Here is where the other foot drops. I felt sad when I heard the inpatient, ICU and birthing departments would be relocated. My concern is that the culture of the rural community has been overlooked.

My impression of a rural community is a close knit group surrounded by care and love from those we know and hold dear. It means caring for and being cared for by those same folks we see at church, at coffee, at work, at school and community activities. We feel a connection that enhances the trust. These connections promote health and healing.

I would ask that you consider our culture — this culture is not one of ethnicity or religion. Alden, Albert Lea, Wells, Kiester, New Richland, Conger, Hartland, Northwood and Lake Mills all are rural America and have rural cultures. This rural culture is extremely important.

I ask you reconsider the decision to relocate inpatient, birthing and ICU to Austin, and retain the current levels of care in the Albert Lea hospital.

If this does not fit your current view of Mayo Clinic, please reverse the 1995 agreement and relinquish the Albert Lea location back to Albert Lea.

Cheryl Reynolds

Alden