Barbara Friedes
xx xx, xxxx - xx xx, xxxx
"With extreme sadness we are sharing the tragic news that our beloved Chief Resident, Barbara Friedes, has died after a bike accident on 7/17/24. We received news from her husband that she was struck by a car while on her bicycle. It's unimaginable. It's shocking. There are no words to express the collective grief we are all feeling. Barbara represents the best in all of us. She has always been a shining light in our worlds - and we know that's only a small portion of her world and her impact. She is someone who embodied kindness, strength, a deep compassion, and tremendous love for all who crossed her path. We, in program leadership, remain in shock and deep sadness. The loss of Barbara is devastating." - CHOP Program Leadership
Condolences
Brianna Rotherham
My dearest condolences, love, thoughts, and prayers for you Barbara’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. As a new intern to CHOP this year, Barbara made all of us feel so welcomed, at peace, and comfortable in a situation that is the most terrifying and nerve wracking. She provided a home for us with her love, warmth, support, kindness, smiles, and jokes. On my first day of work, after having spilled food all down my clothes, Barbara naturally walked me to the scrub machine and encouraged a very embarrassed, frazzled, near tears intern that it in fact was not as embarrassing as I thought and kept cheering me on about my first day as a doctor. Just this past week, having no idea how to navigate the emergency room, she met up with me thirty minutes before my shift (and 30 minutes before the end of hers when she was probably exhausted and ready to head home) to orient me, show me the ropes, and again provide comfort, reassurance, and encouragement to a terrified and frazzled intern. That was the kind of person she was. She led with love, care, and kindness. She left an impression on me in these past few months and while I may not have known her well, I am forever grateful she made such terrifying moments (and probably such minor things for her) all that more approachable with her smile, support, and compassion. My heart goes out to you all in this time and I am here for you. Again, my sincerest condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you.