To Leave the World a Better Place

By Annette Pinder

Erica Brecher always wanted to be a broadcast journalist. She grew up in New Jersey, and attended Penn State University, where she majored in Journalism and minored in Political Science. It didn’t take long to land her first on-air job. One month after graduation, Erica left home to work at a small TV station in Elmira, New York. Two years later, she accepted a position as a reporter for WGRZ-TV Channel 2. After four years at Channel 2, she became an anchor for WIVB-TV Channel 4.

Erica loved TV reporting, but she and her husband Andrew Baglini knew they needed more family time with their then toddler, Matthew. So, presented with the opportunity to use her marketing and communication skills at Excelsior Orthopaedics, Erica knew the position was meant for her. “Being Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Excelsior has been great. I love that Excelsior is so family-friendly, and that my boss is flexible and empathetic.”

Erica was first introduced to Excelsior as a patient, when she tore her ACL playing softball. “Thankfully, my teammate advised me to go to Excelsior Urgent Care, rather than the ER. I received an MRI, diagnosis, and date for surgery, all in the same day.” Working to build Excelsior’s brand has taught Erica that people of all ages have orthopedic problems. “I learned that an orthopedic practice is not just a place where people come when they’re old and their joints hurt. Kids break bones. I also never realized how many young athletes are injured on the playing field. Excelsior’s contracts with local high schools means our athletic trainers are there to help when someone gets injured. With clinical specialists in every area, for every type of person, athletes sometimes see us to improve their game too.”

Excelsior’s family-friendly workplace was crucial to Erica during her 20th week of her pregnancy with the couple’s second child, when a routine appointment revealed that the infant wasn’t growing as she should. A referral to Sister’s Hospital revealed that the baby had severe restricted fetal growth. “Petrified, Andrew and I cried, but after the initial shock, we were determined to be strong in our belief that everything would turn out okay.” And it did. Marlee was delivered by cesarian section at 36 weeks when she suddenly stopped growing, and was born at Sisters Hospital’s neonatal care unit (NICU) weighing just over 3 pounds. “Her strong cry brought us tears of relief. It was the best sound ever!”

Marlee remained at the NICU for three weeks, before she could safely go home at 4.5 pounds. “During those three weeks, the staff at Sister’s Hospital were wonderful. We could see Marlee whenever we wanted, be hands-on in her care, and I brought her breast milk. We will be forever grateful to Buffalo OB/GYN and to the nurses and NICU physician assistants who provided such excellent and compassionate care.” Erica adds, “I would tell anyone who knows that they are going to have a premature baby to go to Sister’s Hospital.”

Erica and Andrew are busy these days, balancing busy jobs, and caring for Matthew who is 5, and baby Marlee, who is 5 months, and perfectly healthy. They enjoy spending time outdoors, going for walks, visiting parks, and exploring new places. “When Matthew was 4, we took him to the Eternal Flame hiking trail, and look forward to more of that. Since Andrew and I are snowboarders, we look forward to introducing them to the slopes.” Meanwhile, Erica describes Matthew as the town mayor. “He’s very social, knows everyone’s name, is a joyful human being who is almost always happy.” As for Marlee, Erica is thrilled that her 3-month-sized clothes fit perfectly. Erica, who lost her own mother to cancer at 18 years old, remembers her mom’s greatest joy was her children. “Now I get to experience what she loved most.”

Right now, they are reflecting on the holiday season, which for this family, means both Christmas and Hanukkah. “We do it all. We light the menorah, sing the blessings, and also have a Christmas tree. And Andrew has learned to make the best latkes in the world.” She says, “We celebrate these holidays more culturally than religiously. We view them as an opportunity to bring people together and welcome others into our lives. We share time with both our families and host a seder during Passover for our non-Jewish friends. The value I hold in my heart is Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew phrase which means to leave the world a better place.”