What is Palliative Medicine?

Tracy, our nurse, and Christine, social worker, came to our house to support my mother and family following my father’s passing. I am writing through tears because of the GREAT GRATITUDE we have for them. They have championed us through TOUGH times with my father who recently passed away. My mother and I honestly do not know what we would have done without them. My father changed for the better (emotionally and spiritually) with their support and work. My mother in particular benefited, maybe even more than my dad, from their care. I as a physician greatly appreciated their constant communication, and I had my FULL TRUST in them. What I most appreciate is my parents didn’t feel alone. I am forever grateful.

Samaritan came into our lives during a time of crisis for our family. Our son, age 3, had brain cancer again. Samaritan provides such a vital service, and one doesn’t truly appreciate and understand it until you walk down that path.

I write on behalf of our family to express our sincere gratitude and deep respect to the staff at Samaritan. It was a very difficult time for me to watch my wife being consumed by a terrible disease. It was even a more difficult time for our adult children as they experienced the worst moment of their lives seeing their mother slowly fade from this life. The Samaritan staff made all of this so much easier and less painful than it could have been. Nurse Teri was always cheerful and kept us well informed and, although the information was not easy to hear, we were at least able to understand what was happening. Nurse Kim also helped us. When she laughed, which was often, Dana laughed. We appreciated those moments.

Thank you would never be enough for all you have done for our Bette and our family. Thanks for giving us the priceless gift of being able to spend our time with her and hold her hand as she left our party for a better one in heaven.