Dave Eggers might be the ultimate Med Center ambassador.
Manning the Concierge Desk at The Lied Transplant Center since 1999, Eggers is one of the most recognizable figures on the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine campus.
Dave’s farewell message
“God works in mysterious ways. I will be forever thankful to my donor whose ‘gifts of life’ saved me and others on that fateful night in April 1998. I am also thankful for the Nebraska Medicine Liver Team that worked so hard that night to give me a chance to live. Eighteen years later my family and I thank everyone for the great care I have received at Nebraska Medicine to keep me healthy. I wish everyone all the best as Nebraska Medicine continues to make a difference saving people’s lives. May God bless each and every one of you.”
A steady stream of employees, patients and family members roll past his desk each day, and he greets them all.
“It’s the first smile of the day,” said Lin Bauer, a data coordinator for oncology/hematology clinical trials who walks past Eggers every morning. “It just starts your day.”
“He’s the guy who helps people move through their cancer or organ transplant,” said Rowen Zetterman, M.D., director of the faculty mentorship program.
Eggers, 65, knows only too well what is going through the minds of patients and family members entering the transplant center. Back in 1998, he underwent a liver transplant at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine.
“I’ve been given a purpose,” he said. “This job has given me the opportunity to pay it back, to pay it forward. My goal is to give patients the most comfortable experience from start to finish.”
Eggers is a stickler for detail. It comes from being a colonel/flight instructor in the Air Force. When you fly B-1B bombers, you have to know what you are doing. There is no margin for error.
His 24-year stint in the Air Force was cut short when he came down with liver disease, so Eggers’ mission became helping people going through the journey of having an organ transplant or cancer treatment.
“I try to be a good listener,” he said. “I teach them the importance of organization, of knowing their meds and being able to have a quick and informed dialogue with their health professionals.
“Patients always want to know, ‘When will I get back to my normal life?’ I tell them, ‘You have to reset. You have to establish a new normal. Get back with your family. Be patient.'”
Eggers tell patients to be grateful for every day that “they are vertical and breathing.”
He’s had more than his share of challenges, developing type II diabetes due to his liver disease and suffering a heart attack in 2003.
It’s been 18 years since his transplant. He is eternally grateful to his donor family. They let him see both his kids graduate college, get married, and four grandchildren born.
Now, it’s time for the next chapter. Eggers retires on Friday.
Best wishes, Dave!
Best wishes in the next chapter of your life. You will be greatly missed by both patients and staff.
Dave – Thanks for being part of our team and making a difference in the lives of so many! Best of luck in your retirement. I know you will enjoy this new phase to it's fullest!
Dave all of the Aresty's wish you the very best life has to offer in your retirement!!! You were many reasons why David kept his fight for life going…you know that! We all send love and hugs from the bottom of our hearts! Enjoy! Enjoy! I will miss my Dave Egger Hugs!!
When I first started here about 9 years ago, I would walk through the Lied Center to get to my department. He ALWAYS had a smile and friendly Good Morning. Every day until our department moved to a new location, I looked forward to that smile and good morning. He will be truly missed. Best of luck on your new adventure in life!! Happy Trails Dave!!!
We will miss you, Dave. You have been a blessing to me-seeing your smile and hearing your greeting every morning. I hope you enjoy your retirement and continued good health. God bless you!
Congratulations Dave. Your smile and friendly personality is infectious and will be missed. Go forth and enjoy.
You will be truly missed Dave. I feel blessed to have known you for the past 17+ years. God bless you and enjoy every second of this next chapter in your life.
Dave – I will miss your greeting as I come & leave by the desk after walking-thank you for making my days special!! Sheryl
Happy trails, Dave! Your cheerful greetings have brightened my day for many years.
Dave – I won't be able to walk by the Concierge Desk at The Lied Transplant Center and not think of you. It always brighten my day when you were there and enjoyed our little chats through the years. Enjoy your retirement! You will be missed.
Dave, you always had time to visit with me when I was in the hospital. It has been so wonderful to have become acquainted with you and spend time visiting with you about your precious grandbabies. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it. Geri Cohrs
Dave, so many folks, like me, will always look for you when we enter the Lied Center to chat with you about things. Then we'll remember, Dave is retired. Well, not really. Onward, with many happy thoughts from many people. Thanks. Rick
Dave – Kudos for being such a great ambassador for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. You offered a warm welcome, and helping hand, to every patient, employee and visitor who walked through The Lied Transplant Center, which made everyone's day brighter. Best wishes to you and your family.
Dave,
just as Lin said, you are often the first smile of my day. You will be missed! Thank you for your service to our patients–it means so much to them that you've been there. Enjoy your retirement! Best wishes, Nicole
Congratulations! Thank you for your service to our country and UNMC. Enjoy retirement!