Mia Tretta and Addison Koegle, 9th graders at Saugus High and survivors of the November 14 Saugus High shooting, returned to Holy Cross in January to thank the surgeons, nurses and other staff members that worked tirelessly to treat their injuries in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

“(The staff) were so great when we were there,” said Tretta. “They really appreciated us coming back there. They said it was very helpful for them because, being a trauma hospital, they don’t really see people after.”

Koegle agreed with her friend, sharing that her decision to return was born of gratitude for the men and women who selflessly give their time and effort, often to never know the outcome of the patients they treat.

“We just wanted to thank them for their amazing services from what happened on the 14th and just as a little thank you,” said Koegle. “We wanted to treat them in a special way that they would appreciate.”

Dr. Bernard Klein, Chief Executive of Providence Holy Cross, thanked the families for bringing a measure of closure.

“This is as healing for us as it is for you,” said Klein. “I hope that they continue to come back and we can watch them grow and prosper.”

The two girls and their mothers brought breakfast for nearly 50 Holy Cross staff members, spending time with the team that works day-in and day-out to save the lives of thousands of patients, including Tretta and Koegle.

“It was a joyful event. We were mindful of the tragedy, but to see them healing and thriving meant so much,” said Holy Cross Spokeswoman Patricia Aidem. “It’s a heart-wrenching event; there were three deaths and there are families still grieving out there, and our hearts go out to them.”

Aidem shared that while surgeons stay in contact with patients in order to monitor their recoveries, the nurses and many other staff members must immediately go on to treating the next emergencies.

“So being able to see them, it was special and it really meant a lot. There was laughter and the girls were in such good spirits,” said Aidem. “I think it’s important to know that Holy Cross caregivers are so filled with compassion and treat patients as they would their own family. I saw surgeons, nurses, chaplains all hugging these girls and were so grateful to see them healing.”