Like most websites, we use cookies and other similar technologies for a number of reasons, such as keeping our website reliable and secure, personalizing content, providing social media features and to better understand how our site is used. By using our site, you are agreeing to our use of these tools. Learn More

At work. On the go.
Pulse 24/7.

Wherever you are, The Pulse is there! Access employee news 24/7 at www.cchcpulse.com.

Pulse 24/7

Published on May 18, 2025

Patient Praise: Letters Express Heartfelt Thanks Patient Praise: Heartfelt Thanks for Compassionate Care 

A moving collection of letters from patients and caregivers highlights the exceptional care provided at Cape Cod Hospital, Falmouth Hospital, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and JML Care Center. 

Gratitude for Compassionate Cardiac Care and Family Support at CCH

Dear Mr. Lauf and your whole team,

We want to express our gratitude for our experience at Cape Cod Hospital. From the front door (both the literal front door and the emergency room door) and beyond—especially North 3.

My mom was admitted on December 31 for chest pain – right at the New Year’s holiday—and received great care, attention and assessment of her condition. She was discharged home on a medication regime, having chosen that over a stent-balloon procedure. Thank you for offering her the dignity to make this choice.

She returned a few days later because she continued to have pain every day at home. The emergency room staff, nurses and doctors were great and communicated clearly what was going on. Dr. Hall was so personable and professional—he was clear and concise and made sure we understood the options. We agreed to move forward with the stent procedure if she was cleared to do so. My mom’s surgeon, Dr. Reza Fazel, was professional and easy to talk to. He was clear with us about the procedure, explaining both the risks and benefits. His follow-up with my dad after the procedure and with my mom each day was comforting.

My mom had a few bumps along the stay but eventually went to cardiac rehabilitation. We are most grateful that she no longer suffers from the pain she was experiencing.

My parents have been married for 69 years, and ALL of your staff were great and so respectful toward them. We really appreciate that you left them to nap together at times. We are grateful to all the nurses, CNAs and others for tolerating what at times may have seemed like an ‘annoying herd’—or maybe not. But if we were, thanks for not showing it!

My family and I had the experience which I am sure many others have—the fear and uncertainty when my mom needed so much help from healthcare professionals. Throughout her time in the hospital, my family always felt comforted and well-informed about what was happening and what was going to happen next

Thank you, and please thank everyone who cared for her—from the behind-the-scenes staff to those we encountered in person along the way, especially the champions on North 3.

Sincerely,
Ellen Kilicarslin
Framingham

Thank you to CCH Emergency Center staff for caring for my mother

I want to compliment the Emergency Center staff at Cape Cod Hospital. My elderly mother, Lillian Sparks, was brought to the emergency room in the early morning hours on January 16. Like many people, I have spent time in emergency rooms with my aging parents, and also during my time working in law enforcement. On that day, it appeared to be an incredibly busy time, with many serious issues occurring simultaneously.

At all times, the staff of the emergency center was professional, kind and empathetic. Fortunately, my mom was not there for a life-threatening issue, but even in the midst of working to help those who were in critical need, the staff remained professional, kind and empathetic while caring for her. I want to thank the team that cared for her on that day and compliment them for making a long and stressful day easier for us to bear—even under the pressure of providing life-saving care to others.

Janice Sparks

Grateful for the VNA’s Support During My Postpartum Journey

To Whom It May Concern,

As a new mom, the postpartum period was overwhelming and filled with many challenges, especially when it came to breastfeeding. The pain I was experiencing in the early days was intense, and I felt unsure of how to navigate this new chapter in my life. Thankfully, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) came to my aid during this critical time.

Their team provided immediate support after my delivery, coming to my home for newborn assessments, check-ins, and offering guidance on breastfeeding. They listened to my concerns, patiently worked with me to address the pain I was feeling and offered expert advice on proper latch techniques. Their presence made a world of difference.

Thanks to the VNA, I was able to overcome the initial difficulties and continue breastfeeding successfully. Their support not only helped alleviate the physical pain but also gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed as a new mom. Having the VNA visit me during those early days made me feel less isolated, more empowered, and truly cared for.

I am so grateful for the VNA’s incredible support, and I wholeheartedly believe their assistance was a key factor in my success with breastfeeding and my overall postpartum well-being. They provided me with peace of mind and helped me thrive during a time that could have easily been overwhelming without their help.

I sincerely hope that others can benefit from the same compassionate and knowledgeable care that I received, and I strongly support their work in seeking grant funding to continue providing this essential service to new families like mine.

Sincerely,
Melanie Perkins
Nantucket

Transforming lives with compassion: Thank you to JML Care Center

My wife is presently being cared for in long-term care by the wonderful staff at JML Care Center. The nursing staff at JML provides compassionate care that transforms lives every day. Through long shifts, difficult moments and countless challenges, they remain steadfast in their commitment to healing. They are the ones who hold hands during the darkest hours, celebrate the smallest victories and ensure dignity in every interaction. Their clinical expertise is matched only by their boundless empathy. Thank you for the tears you’ve dried, the fears you’ve calmed, and the strength you’ve shared. Your work often goes unseen, but its impact is immeasurable.

With deepest gratitude and respect,
Bob Stone

A heartfelt thank you to the Med Surg 4 team at Falmouth Hospital

Dear Barbara Pecorella,

I just want to thank you and your outstanding staff, who should be highly commended for the exceptional care I received during my stay in early April on the Med Surg 4 floor at Falmouth Hospital. This was my third visit in about three years for various medical issues, and whether I was on the Med Surg unit or another unit, the level of care has always been consistently outstanding and truly commendable.

Whether they were nurses, nurse assistants, housekeeping, or food service staff, every team member was highly professional, caring, compassionate and respectful in all aspects of their day-to-day duties while I was being cared for.

I would also like to recognize the individuals I interacted with during my visit. If your name is not mentioned, please accept my sincere apologies. I especially want to acknowledge the thoughtful lady from kitchen services who took my meal order when I transitioned from a liquid to a solid diet, and the young man who delivered that meal to my room with such courtesy.

I would like to personally thank the following individuals, as well as those whose names I did not catch but who still made a meaningful impact during my stay: Delscena, Derick, Greg, Jenette, Mike, Parker, Rachel and Teresa.

Once again, thank you all so much for the exceptional care you provided—not just to me, but surely to every patient you care for. I wish each of you all the very best in your future careers, wherever they may lead.

Bill Reynolds

Thank you to Bob from the VNA for ‘hanging in” with me

I would like to sincerely thank the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) for the wonderful care you all provided me every day for two long months. All the nurses were professional, kind and caring. I especially want to thank Bob for “hanging in” with me and providing such good care. He not only knows his work but raises one’s spirits while doing it. I’ll never forget the amazing visiting nurses!

Shan McCartie
South Yarmouth

A special thank you to Megan and Wendy of the VNA for their positivity and expertise

Dear VNA Supervisor,

I had a total knee replacement on December 18, 2024, which of course, required home physical therapy post-surgery.

I write this to commend Megan Gordon and Wendy Minnich for their compassion, professionalism and dedication to their calling.

They came into my home smiling each time and were always positive and encouraging. I am very grateful that they were assigned to me, to help me deal with the discomfort and also to help me on my way to a speedy recovery.

Sincerely,
Margaret M. Fecteau
Dennis

Exceptional care provided by Dr. Anthony Brown and Falmouth Hospital Interventional Pain Management Team

Dear Mr. Hunt,

I am writing this letter regarding Falmouth Hospital Interventional Pain Management and Dr. Anthony Brown. I am the caregiver for my sister, Beatrice Munroe, who has been a patient of Dr. Brown’s for the past several years.

After my sister’s medical condition was diagnosed and pain management was needed, she was referred to Dr. Brown by Dr. Nakata. From her initial visit to now, she has always been met with kindness and treated with utmost respect, which unfortunately, I cannot say about the hospital where she was a patient. Dr. Brown has taken the time to talk to and explain the best plan for her medical needs and why other options may not be the best for her. He is extremely knowledgeable and exhibits compassion. Dr. Brown also keeps in contact with her other doctors to ensure that the plan in place is best for her.

In addition to Dr. Brown’s professionalism, his staff follows his lead; the nurses, receptionist and officer manager(s) all show the same kindness and care. They not only talk to my sister but also listen to her. And during every visit, we are met with a smile and my sister is given encouraging words. After her injection, she receives a follow-up phone call.

My sister and I have had an extremely pleasant experience at Falmouth Hospital Interventional Pain Management over the past several years. An outstanding facility with a great and superb staff. I would highly recommend this facility to someone in need of pain management.

Sincerely,
Janice Williams-Nimtz
Mashpee

Expressing praise for Kori at Falmouth Hospital Lab

Dear Mr. Hunt,

I would like to bring your attention to an excellent employee in your lab department. Yesterday, I went to the lab and met Kori (Sanborn). No labs had been ordered for me. Kori took my name and phone number and said she would call if my lab requests came in.

Yesterday, I received a message from my doctor’s office saying lab requests were sent to Quest, and I should go to any Quest facility. At 7 a.m. today, I was at the Falmouth Quest office and found it was closed. I looked online and was driving to Osterville to the Quest office when Kori called me!

I immediately turned around and went to the hospital. She came to the lobby as I was checking in at 7:45 a.m. Kori is professional, efficient and very friendly. She went above and beyond to help me!

Gratefully,
Martha Asendorf

Thank you Dr. Kalliath and Cape Cod Hospital staff for outstanding surgery care

A sincere thank you to all doctors, nurses, aides and staff who provided exceptional care on February 4 for my surgery with Dr. Kalliath. Everyone, those who greeted me for check-in, pre-op, surgery, post-op and recovery, were very pleasant and helpful. The nurses and anesthesiologists truly listened to my concerns and assured me all will be considered. Everyone worked together as a team, helping where needed. The atmosphere was very positive. I was very pleased to receive a follow-up call from Dr. Kalliath and the nurse checking on my well-being after surgery.

Cape Cod Hospital exceeded my expectations!

Sincerely,
Charlene McCabe
Mashpee

Gratitude for Dr. Anna Prishutova’s expertise and compassionate care at Cape Cod Hospital

Dear Mr. Lauf,

Last week, I was admitted to your hospital by ambulance and was discharged five days later. I had pneumonia and heart failure. I was treated by Dr. Anna Prishutova who showed compassion, kindness and expertise in her care for me.

Dr. Anna Prishutova is outstanding in her profession and a valuable asset to your hospital.

Very truly yours,
Nancy M. Walsh
West Yarmouth

Related Stories

View all Pulse stories

Receive the pulse

Receive a weekly email of the latest news from Cape Cod Health News.

Subscribe to The Pulse

Expert physicians, local insight

Cape Cod Health News is your go-to source for timely, informative and credible health news. Engaging stories provide the latest health information, with expert advice and commentary from local doctors and other providers.

Through Cape Cod Health News, we’re keeping our patients, family members, friends and community members better informed about the often confusing and changing nature of healthcare