Authorities ID wounded in Giffords attack; Barber released from UMC

Statement from Ron Barber

As delivered by his daughter, Jenny Douglas, at a morning briefing at UMC:

Good morning. My name is Jenny Douglas. I am Ron Barber's daughter and standing beside me is my sister Crissi Blake. Our dad asked us to read a statement on his behalf as he is being discharged from the hospital today.

Here is the message from my dad:

I want to thank the staff at University Medical Center for the incredible care and treatment they have given to me since I was brought the Emergency room last Saturday.

But first, I don't believe I would have made it to the emergency room had it not been for the aid rendered to me on the scene by Anna Ballis who applied pressure to one of my bullet wounds and helped stop the bleeding.

There are so many people at UMC who have given me and my family every type of support we have needed over these days and it would be impossible to name them all — but everyone of them has had a profound impact on my recovery and the well being of my family.

There are a few I would particularly like to acknowledge. Dr. Rhee and his trauma team Dr. Hughes and his vascular team Critical Care Services Director Jayne Matte-Wilson, the nurses, technicians and all staff in the ICU, Case Management and Social Work staff, and my therapy team.

Two nurses in the ICU were largely responsible for my care. I have never met two more compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals as Tracy Colbert and Buck Marsalla. They feel like family to us now.

All have contributed greatly to my recovery and ability to be discharged today. Their help has made it possible for me to attend the funeral services for Chief Judge John Roll and return home.

We are extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding medical facility in our community led by CEO Kevin Burns. And now the whole world knows about the high level of expertise and professionalism that is found here.

I also want to thank from the bottom of my heart the people of Tucson who brought their words of encouragement to the front of the hospital. I saw their tributes, candles and photographs for the first time yesterday and I was deeply moved and uplifted.

My healing process is well underway and so is the healing of this wonderful community we call home. I ask everyone to continue their prayers for Congresswoman Giffords' full recovery and for all of the survivors of the tragic events of last Saturday.

I send my condolences to the families of the good people we lost and wish them spiritual solace and emotional recovery.