Voices of Gratitude: Letters of Heartfelt Thanks
From life-saving interventions to everyday kindness, patients and families share stories of care that made a difference.
A humanitarian in action: Grateful for life-saving surgical care
Humanitarian: A person who is involved in improving people’s lives to reduce suffering.
Dr. Matthew Kalliath is that person.
When I arrived by ambulance in a dangerous medical condition, I didn’t realize I would be blessed to have as my surgeon, Dr. Kalliath.
He prepared a medical plan based on his expertise, and for the next 16 days of my hospitalization, every attempt was made to address anything that would impede my recovery.
As Dr. Kalliath visited me daily, I was always made aware of the ongoing treatment for my recovery.
Dr. Kalliath always expressed a demeanor of sensitivity to all my emotions and concerns, and his honesty created certainty that I would recover.
In the unpredictable event of needing acute surgery and hospitalization, the purpose behind my arrival on that particular day, at that particular time of day, becomes quite clear that unbeknownst to me, I would be fortunate to have had Dr. Kalliath as my surgeon.
I look forward to a future with an improved quality of life.
Sincerely,
A.H.
A godsend: Compassionate care through recovery
To Whom it May Concern,
I had total knee replacement surgery in October. I was extremely lucky to have Jessica O’Connor as my visiting physical therapist. Simply put, Jessica was a godsend! Her expertise, combined with genuine compassion, made the first few weeks of my post-surgery a very positive experience. I believe that I would not have made the progress I did without her guidance and care. Jessica was able to tailor my rehabilitation to my needs. She exhibited an expertise I have rarely experienced with physical therapists. On top of that, she’s an excellent communicator, which again helped make my post-surgery experience very positive. I am thankful to your entire organization, but most thankful for the time I had to work with Jessica.
Best regards,
Judith
Comfort and compassion: Honoring our dad with dignity and peace
Dear Amazing VNA Hospice Team,
Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care you provided to our beloved dad, especially during his final days. Your kindness, compassion and professionalism brought comfort not only to him but to all of us who loved him.
A special thank you to nurses Odell and Bettina, and aide Thais, for your warmth, gentle touch and steady presence. Each of you went above and beyond, and your support made a profound difference in a very tender time.
Please know that your work does not go unnoticed. You gave our dad dignity and peace, and you gave our family the strength and reassurance we needed to let go with love.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Amy Landry and family of John Eaton
Grateful for a life-saving discovery
Dear Ms. Lemont,
I was referred to Cape Cod Hospital by a physician at Fontaine Urgent Care. I suffered a fall resulting in a head injury. Due to my age, a CT scan was recommended. Once I was seen in the emergency room at Cape Cod Hospital, I was also feeling back and neck discomfort. The ER doctor ordered the scan from my head to my upper thigh.
When the scan was read, Dr. Jason Satterfield informed me that the scan of my head did not indicate any problems. However, there was an area of concern in my right lung. I was aware of nodules in my lung and was not concerned. Dr. Satterfield insisted the issue was more serious than mere nodules and that I seek medical attention.
Long story short: The upper lobe in my right lung was removed. The pathology revealed 2 malignant tumors and a malignant lymph node.
My PCP, Dr. Carmel Kelly, suggested I reach out to thank both Dr. Jason Satterfield and the radiologist on duty, Dr. David Henley for the care and insistence that I seek further treatment. Dr. Kelly stated the Cape Cod Hospital doctors saved my life! I agree!!!
I am most grateful to all who cared for me.
Best regards,
Cynthia A. Long
A rapid response made all the difference
Dear Dr. Rest and Caylin Whitney,
I wanted to thank you and the team at Falmouth Hospital for the care my father, Jack, received. After his outpatient MRI, he experienced a heart attack shortly after, and we are so grateful for how quickly your staff responded and were able to resuscitate him.
Our family was truly impressed by the care, coordination and compassion shown in each department. Please extend our sincere thanks to all who helped care for him.
With gratitude,
Katie and family
Grateful for emergency care: Compassion in difficult moments
My husband and I have had three occasions to be seen in the emergency room at the hospital over the past several years. The most recent was yesterday afternoon. After having slipped on the ice, I broke my wrist when trying to break my fall. Every time we’ve been at the hospital, we have seen excellent doctors and have had immediate and helpful, thorough care. We are very grateful for the staff, nurses and doctors of CCH. Please extend my thanks to everyone in the emergency room who have put up with tears, answered questions and thoroughly figured out next steps of treatment.
Cheers,
Alexandra Somers Lahr
Cotuit and Watertown
Exceptional care and kindness: A note of gratitude for the VNA
This is a note of thanks to all my nurses.
The care, concern and kindness for my health was exceptional!!
Your nurses are a great asset to the Visiting Nurse Association.
I thank you for your service,
Nancy Walsh
‘You are all angels’: Compassion in life’s final moments
Please accept this long-overdue gift of gratitude for the superb care your team provided to my mother, Paule Garrigues, and to her small family! She spent her final days in your capable hands, and she passed away peacefully.
Your professionalism, compassion and tremendous kindness certainly alleviated what would surely have been a time of much more stress, pain and confusion.
You are all angels in my eyes and have my most heartfelt thanks!
Most sincerely,
Marc Hayman
Exceptional care close to home: Urgent care experience
I want to give a shoutout to Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care – Pinehills. Both my husband and I were there today for totally different issues. We received exceptional service from friendly staff who were very thorough in their approach to our care. We got lucky with no long wait and they offer on-site X-rays. I was provided with a disc containing my imaging results to give to a doctor they recommended I see for follow up. The office was spotless and the exam rooms are spacious. So grateful!”
– Cape Cod Healthcare Urgent Care patient
Top-notch care: A patient’s journey after transplant
I am a lung transplant recipient and recently had my fourth surgery post-transplant at Cape Cod Hospital. The staff, facility and especially my amazing surgeon, Dr. Kelly Shine, were all top-notch. Thank you for being an amazing health care facility so close to home. Having a terminal condition and living on the Cape can be challenging, and I am very impressed with Cape Cod Healthcare.
– Cape Cod Hospital patient
Listening that saved a life
Dr. Spencer,
I am not sure if you remember me or my case. I came in on October 2, 2025, to the emergency room. I had a migraine which was actually a vertebral artery dissection. Due to your care and compassion, you listened to me and realized I needed imaging. You found the dissection and saved my life.
Thank you,
Abby
Skilled hands and compassionate hearts
My wife tripped and fell on a curb and fractured three bones in her ankle while in Provincetown. Besides the pain she suffered, we were also on vacation with friends resulting in ending our vacation two days early. This added even more anguish to the moment. We were anxious and nervous about the damage and her prognosis. However, the blessing and relief was in the care she received in Purple Fast Track in the ER.
Megan, RN, was fantastic, as were Caryn, RN, and Joseph, RN, in post-op. A special thanks to Dr. Jesse Affonso, who performed her closed reduction. Dr. Affonso was excellent in his care and communication regarding the procedure he performed. His bedside manner is a gift and his ability to put my wife at ease with regard to further surgery and post-op expectation left no questions unanswered. The entire staff are to be commended and as we did tell them, “They are in the right profession.” They love what they do and it shows!
Sincerely,
Ingrid
Kindness at every step of the journey
What started as a simple visit to urgent care didn’t go that way. I arrived coughing up blood. The doctor advised me to go to the ER. She was very kind. I ended up spending Tuesday through Friday at “hotel” Cape Cod Hospital! I can’t say enough how wonderful the staff is. From the nurses, PA, NP and doctors to the aides and even the cleaning staff, everyone was so kind and helpful. I was truly amazed at how kind they were. They made me feel like I was a friend. Not to mention, Mugar is beautiful!
Thank you for such wonderful service,
Susan R.
