In Loving Memory of Monica Gutierrez

Dr. Tomatsu's Farewell Letter to Monica

Dear Monica,

I have just heard about your tragedy here in Switzerland. I have lost the word now. I am deeply sorry for what has happened.

I remember we have met each other in Colombia at 1999 at the international medical conference. I was introduced you by Prof. Barrera. I remember you have talked to me about the curiosity of our research. Since then, I happily welcomed you at St. Louis. You and I have worked together for these 5 years at Biochemistry and Pediatrics. You are the first research assistant at my lab. You are quite talented and have worked very hard at my lab to develop the drug for the children suffering from very rare disease.

You have helped me a lot on my work and given me remarkable achievements in science. We are very close to reach our goal to develop the drug which we have pursued for a long time. With a big hope, you are supposed to apply to graduate school on the coming December. I am so happy that you will become a graduate student working together here at my lab. You told me “I want to continue this work. I do not want to leave here.”

Monica is loved with a big smile by everybody.
I never believe you are not here.
I never believe I can not see you any more.
Why do I have to believe?

We have just met before I left St. Louis for Zurich. I have told you, “See you soon.” You replied to me, “Dr. Tomatsu, take care, a good trip for Switzerland!”  by asking me to give several memorial pictures to friends in Swiss company where I am now. You have sent me the e-mail by saying that I will send you the results very soon. I was talking about you with your friends here showing the pictures. Everybody here wants to see you again. I have just promised to them that Monica would return very soon to see you.

I am still waiting for your e-mail here “Hello! Dr. Tomatsu, I have truly good results! See you soon at St. Louis!”

You are still a young and promising scientist having a lot of hopes and talents. I miss you a lot. We shall succeed to your hope in science and shall surely achieve our goal on behalf of you and sick children. You are with us.

Sincere condolences to her family.

Sincerely Yours,

Shunji Tomatsu
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University