A Special Thank You
My father had the benefit of incredible doctors, nurses and care during his battle with cancer. It is with the utmost appreciation and gratitude that I recognize those people who cared for him and gave him meaningful years with our family. While his cancer made those years difficult on him, and us, his doctors and nurses did everything they could to help him live as long as possible. I am eternally grateful for their hard work and compassion.
Dr. Richardson
Dr. Richardson of Dana Farber oversaw my father’s cancer treatment strategy and implementation, and despite a very demanding schedule, Dr. Richardson always gave my father a level of attention and concern that exceeded my family’s expectations. I am extremely grateful for the expertise and time he devoted to my father’s fight with Multiple Myeloma.
Dr. Hussein
Dr. Hussein managed my father’s chemo treatments while in The Villages. Dr. Hussein’s level of interest and involvement in my father’s life far surpassed anything I could have hoped for, and even went as far as him giving Dad Red Sox tickets for when he traveled back home. While my mother met with Dr. Hussein frequently, it wasn’t until the final days of my father’s life that I was able to meet the man trying to save his life. I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Hussein, and will always remember his positive and professional aspirations for my father’s recovery.
Dr. Betancourt
Dr. Betancourt was my father’s Pulmonary ER Doctor during his final weeks in the hospital. There were very serious odds against my father’s recovery, which he communicated with my family appropriately, but he also allowed us, and my father the opportunity to fight. His willingness to continuously work hard on all of our behalves afforded us priceless closure. Dr. Betancourt’s coordination with other doctors and Dr. Hussein was impressive, thoughtful, and effective. It is likely due to Dr. Betancourt that we had a few days to create lasting memories. Thank you, Dr. Betancourt for all that you did.
There are so many other doctors, nurses and people to thank beyond doctors Richardson, Hussein & Betancourt. There were emergency visits to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, MA that each offered care from amazing doctors and nurses. There were EMT’s that rushed my father to the hospital and nurses who administered chemo treatments for more than three years.
There were also nurses (shift after shift) at The Villages Regional Hospital Visit who monitored and cared for my father as if he were their own father. I cannot fully thank all of the wonderful people who helped my father along the way, but I hope this small tribute will be a symbol of my family’s appreciation.