In Their Words
Patients share their Dana-Farber experience
June 4, 2007
Mr. Edward Benz – CEO/President
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Boston, MA 02115
Dear Mr. Benz,
I would like to thank you and your fine staff for the wonderful treatment afforded to my wife in her battle of breast cancer that has metastasized to her liver. I don't quite know where to start and let me apologize to you with regards to my letter writing skills, I don't normally do this, what being a blue-collar worker and all.
My wife, Carole Rixford, was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer in October of 2006. Her oncologist, Dr. Sheila Donnelly, who as you know is also on your staff, referred her to Dana-Farber to Dr. Eric Winer. A meeting was set up to see if my wife could possibly take part in a clinical trial. After meeting with Dr. Winer, Dr. Sara Tolaney and clinical nurse Margaret Haldoupis, it was determined that my wife would be able to partake in the trial. So every three weeks, we would motor down from Gardner, Mass., and Carole would receive her treatment. I would go with her and I am glad I did. Not only did I receive an education concerning cancer, I was also able to observe the workings of a hospital that is world-renowned, and I came away with a profound sense of gratitude. The following is an attempt to describe my observations.
First and foremost, is Dr. Winer. You could not have anyone better to head up the department and also what a superb spokesperson to represent Dana-Farber on a national scale. His knowledge, humor, and genuine concern for the best for my wife is so greatly appreciated. And to add to that, his wonderful working relationship he has with his staff. He has the utmost respect from the medical community and to all who came in contact with him. I know I'll fall short in being able to express his abilities but let me say that he is the real deal. To be able to conduct himself in such a manner, to have so much on his plate and to hug my wife, well I can't say much more than that. We are lucky to have crossed his path and I owe him a great deal for allowing me and my wife to hope.
Next is Dr. Sara M. Tolaney, a fellow in Hematology/Oncology. A doctor with a smile as bright as the light of hope. Her attentiveness to my wife during her time there goes way beyond what I expected. I mean I thought I was back in the 50's where the doctors made house calls. She would call many times to see how Carole was doing. She no doubt has a busy schedule and to take the time to call, well that speaks volumes about her. You need to keep her and with the tutelage of Dr. Winer, she can only serve Dana-Farber and her patients with nothing less than excellence.
Moving along — Peg Haldoupis, RN, BSN, where do you find people like her? Warm comes to mind when I think of her, and again knowledge flows. She certainly was on top of things and made our life less chaotic, what with her scheduling expertise. She gave us her home phone number, just in case. "In case of what?" we asked. "Anything," she says. Another case of compassion.
The list goes on and on. From Heidi, her assigned nurse to administer the chemo. She sure was able to relax Carole and was there for her all the time. Miss Anne Chiavacci, the dietitian, who spent time going over a proper diet in one more item to fight this insidious disease. The social worker, a Miss Genevieve Mason, who made us aware of financial matters that might be of some help to us, and she followed up. I do not know all the names of the people who made our visits there as enjoyable as they could have been, given the very reason why we were there to begin with. But from the parking lot attendants, the people on every desk we had to check in, the blood work, the x-rays, the cafeteria personnel, volunteers, library, and no doubt someone I've missed, represent Dana-Farber in a caring and professional manner. I thank them all.
I would be remiss if I didn't give a special thanks to Sheila Donnelly, MD, for it is she who started the ball rolling, and you can take all of the accolades mentioned above and apply them to her. Having her here in Gardner at the Henry Heywood Hospital is a blessing — my wife so respects and loves her.
On behalf of my whole family, we thank you. You are to be commended for running a fine hospital. To have all those wonderful people working there filled with compassion is pretty special in a world filled with turmoil. I see a puzzle before you, you have most of the pieces in place, and I can almost see the completion. I know you will solve it, how can you not given what you have? I wish you continued success and again I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely,
Gehrig Rixford
P.S. The treatments, so far, are working!!!
