In Their Words – 2006
Patients share their Dana-Farber experience
Dear President of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
Thank you for sending me the names of donors who gave gifts to Dr. Alyea's research fund in the name of my late husband, Randy S. Rockwell. It is my hope that someday a cure for cancer will be found.
My other reason for writing is to tell you how important the following people were in Randy's care and to me personally: Stacey Chuma, R.N., B.S.N., (always positive, upbeat during clinic visits); Karen Skversky, LICSW, (constant source of strength and support before, during and after Randy's stem cell transplant, hospitalization, ICU stay, & death); and Craig Richards, chaplain (constant source of spiritual strength during ICU stay).
Finally, Dr. Alyea was professional, knowledgeable and spent time with us, as needed, at all appointments. We never went away with a question unanswered. During the stem cell transplant process, he frequently visited Randy, lifting his spirits and providing him with encouragement, though he was not on service. During Randy's ICU hospitalization, while again not on service, Dr. Alyea provided Randy's family, my family and me with updates on Randy's condition and led us compassionately towards the final outcome. He sent a handwritten sympathy note to me, acknowledged donations to his research fund, and shortly will be meeting with me to discuss Randy's autopsy results. I have only the highest praise for the care and compassion he provided. As an R.N., I have worked with many physicians over the years, but Dr. Alyea is truly a physician of eminence.
Sincerely,
Sara A. Rockwell
