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Dr. Alexi Wright- “Dr. Alexi Wright took care of my mother, Reba Chonofsky. We were blessed to have her with us every step of the way on this difficult path. Dr. Wright opened her heart to us and treated us with enormous care and love. I still cannot fathom how she created the time to do all she did. We were in contact almost daily with a flurry of e-mails, and often phone calls on nights and weekends. She helped us make many hard decisions with patience and love. I always felt she loved my mother as much as we did. Whenever we saw Dr. Wright it was like having another family member present. She was a constant source of medical expertise, delivered with extraordinary compassion. There is simply no way to describe what she gave to our family and in particular to my Mother, Reba. She has earned a place in our hearts forever.” ~ Debbie Kurlansky-Winer

Ruth Rothstein- “As the circumstances have become unbearable she always finds a way to rise to the occasion. Ruth is an exceptional person and I could not go through this without her.” ~ Jacques Chanier

Anthony Simmons- “My husband works 10 hours per day four days a week and no matter how tired he is he cooks, cleans, and caters to all of my needs. When he can he accompanies me to most of my doctors’ appointments. At times when I cannot dress myself he does it for me. I don’t know where he got his strength from but he has it. I am so grateful for all that he does. He is truly a blessing in my life.” ~ Debra Crawford

Dorothy Smilg- “During my recovery from prostate cancer surgery, my mother attended to all my needs without complaining. She made sure that I had nutritious meals and clean clothes. She performed many daily tasks I was unable to. She was a second set of ears during appointments and made me feel less apprehensive about my surgery. Although she had many physical limitations and health problems of her own, she put them aside to ensure my comfort after surgery.” ~ Robert Smilg

Kathleen Staska- “Our dear friend Diane Gresham visited The Wellness Community in Newton on a weekly basis for over a year as she fought her battle with lung cancer.  Not only did Kathy drive her to her appointments every week but she was there to support her during the last few weeks of her life when she was unable to leave her home.  She managed the stream of people who visited Diane during that difficult period making sure that she received her rest, food and medication. She continued her support after Diane passed by being there for her husband Dale.  She is always the first person in line to help someone in need.  She talks little, but does much.  I am grateful to be able to call her my friend.” ~ Pauline Alighieri

Fulani Butler- “Without her love, dedication, understanding and undying loyalty this journey would not be worth taking.” ~ Gigi DeRosa

Harold Gleaves- “Harold is a survivor of cancer himself and has been a caregiver for his deceased mother, father, two aunts as well as myself. If not for my husband taking very good care of me, I don’t think I would be here.  Among other things he does the shopping, cooking, dishes and cleaning. He is the kindest, most caring and loving person I know. I love him very much and thank God that I have him in my life.” ~ Mary Gleaves

Kristen Croci- “There are many wonderful caregivers in the world, each giving of themselves to help those in need.  I consider my mother, Kristin, one of these people.  Her whole life has revolved around being a caregiver.  She is a mother to three now adult children and she has been teaching kindergarten for over 30 years.  Her true challenge; however, came when her husband was diagnosed with cancer.  She exhibited strength, compassion, and sincere care for him as he stoically fought to beat the disease.  He lost his battle to cancer in 2001 and as I’ve grown older and I look back on those years when he was sick, I have learned to appreciate the role she played as a caregiver in not only his life, but also in the lives of our family.  It is for this reason that I want to recognize her, and all of the others who give of themselves to care for those who are sick.” ~ Dara Croci

Dr. David McDermott- “I first met Dr. McDermott as a "cancer shipwreck”.  I was swollen, chilled and exhausted.  David was patient giving me all the time I needed to tell my story.  He was reassuring, clear and factual and recognizing my fear and uncertainty, he held my hand.  During my stem cell transplant, he visited me everyday even though he was not on coverage for the transplant unit.  He always had a smile and would laugh at my jokes.  Through all my relapses and now, a new cancer diagnosis, he has been like a beacon in a storm for me.” ~ Christine Micklitsch

Lewis Coyne- “Lewis is my husband of 24 years and my Caregiver, day and night.  After two surgeries he stayed with me every night at Brigham & Women's Hospital, and did a lot of things for me routinely done by the nurses.  He also took off work to accompany me to every one of my treatments. Totally of his own volition, he took early retirement after my second surgery in order to take care of me.  He never complains about the added responsibilities he has assumed, and always puts my well-being before his.”  ~ Queene Coyne

Linda Trapp- “Linda Trapp, Susie, to her family and friends, was the sister to Jan Marble that every woman wishes she could have.  Theirs was a loving relationship encompassing fun and laughter on their "girls" weekends in NYC, as well as devoted care and compassion in the darkest of times.  Susie's determination to do everything humanly possible for her adored, older sister had no limits in her caring for Jan in her own home, seeking every treatment and support possible, making her favorite foods even when Jan was able to eat only one small bite, hosting in her home an endless stream of Jan's friends and family, and after teaching all day, sitting with Jan and reading poetry to her. Susie was not just a care giver; her love was a life giver for Jan to the very end.” ~ Rita Van Tassel

Briana Wilson- “Briana provided sensitive and intelligent care for her mother, Michele Wilson, all throughout her battle with ovarian cancer, but especially during the last two months or so of her life.  Briana is only 22 and was working a fulltime job while caring for her mother and supervising the efforts of others.  Her bedroom was next to her mother’s so that she was available at all hours.  She maintained her composure and sense of humor while dealing with a very difficult situation.  I was impressed with her organizational skills in managing a rather complicated medication regimen.  Even though additional support was available in terms of friends and family, the bulk of the care was on Briana’s shoulders.  She exhibited maturity far beyond her years.” ~ Ann Griffith