February 4, 2002

Dear Dr. Fodero:

I am writing this letter to you and your staff in appreciation of the care you have and continue to extend to me. I understand full well that it is more difficult than ever for doctors to extend the kind of care patients need. The demands made on any practice are great.

In the past two years I have needed surgery four times and have had to make regular visits to my oncologist, surgeon and more recently to you. I have had to interview doctors and even change doctors to receive decent care. It is not that I am particularly demanding, but I do value my life and therefore take the time to select my health care professionals.

You may wonder why I selected you. You are young enough to be my son and yet I was able to respect you and entrust you with my life. You possess an unusual combination of talents. You are a technician first and that is important. In addition you have acted impeccably to do a first rate job surgically and in follow up care. While I was in the hospital you visited me every day, even on weekends. When you extend care I am confident that you are for that time focused on providing the best care that you are capable of. You also seem to understand how to empower me to recover confidently because you have told me what to expect proactively and assured me that I would enjoy a full recovery.

Having a mastectomy and reconstruction is a very intimidating process. I thank you for making this as easy as it could possibly be. Life is not perfect and I need to face surgery again. The real mark of a good doctor in my opinion is how he/she handles challenges. Although I am not enamored with the thought of surgery again, I have total confidence that I can count on your competence and will receive the appropriate care that will assure a quick and smooth recovery.

Please extend a special thank you to Lynn for being a nurturing professional and to Alicia for taking care of administrative insurance arrangements. Thank you for providing care and assistance where it counts.

Sincerely,

- B.K.