Dr. Mercer:
An untold amount of people do not smoke today because of you.
And that means they now have a much better chance to know their grandchildren thanks to you.
Hundreds of homeless folks have not died from infection because of you.
And hundreds more have resurrected from homelessness thanks to you.
Thousands of dine-in eaters have enjoyed their meals much, much more because of you.
And thousands more have learned there was never such thing as a non-smoking section thanks to you.
Your bedside optimism has lifted the spirits of an uncounted number of patients and family members and hope in the hospital drowns out the incessant hum of a hospital.
And you, Doctor, have taught us by example that the best part about getting knocked down is never losing your love of life.
Thank you, Bill, for helping us do the same, and congratulations on receiving the Milton and Ruth Roemer Prize for Creative Local Public Health Work.
Sincerely,
Those Saved Lives
