SUSAN LOCKE writes that a Providence Legate found help through Healthnetwork . . .
Marissa, an elite athlete and successful college student, struggled with overwhelming fatigue and confusing symptoms for months. She looked healthy on the outside, but she was struggling to get through her days. Try as she may, Marissa was unable to find answers, which led to frustration.
“Your emotions get in the way when you see your child suffering,” said her mother Kathy, a member of Legatus’ Providence Chapter in Rhode Island. “I wanted so much to ease her frustration and to help her. I took her to doctor after doctor. Eventually I started to wonder if I could find a doctor who would treat her like an adult with real issues.”
Finding Healthnetwork
Then Kathy spoke with Pat, one of Healthnetwork’s medical coordinators. She and Marissa were willing to travel to see the best doctor, but had to work around Marissa’s school schedule. It was summer, Marissa’s health issues were still undiagnosed, and she had to return to school soon.
Their first choice hospital was unable to assist with the complex symptoms that plagued Marissa’s everyday life. Undeterred, Pat consulted with her colleagues. Because some of Marissa’s issues were rheumatologic in nature, Pat initiated a referral to the highly ranked Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Marissa and Kathy headed to the Big Apple.
First-class care
“It was amazing,” Kathy said. “Rarely are we greeted by a physician who is on time, at the computer, and waiting to start when we get there. At first I was afraid we were late. But we soon found that this was his way of practicing medicine.”
With more than 30 years of experience, Hendricks Whitman III, M.D., a rheumatologist, was well prepared to assess Marissa’s condition. Over the year since they first met, Dr. Whitman and Marissa have developed a rapport of mutual respect. What more could a parent want for their child?
“I couldn’t solve the problem for Marissa, but at least I found her someone who could truly help all of us,” Kathy explains. “As a Legatus member, it has been a blessing to be able to reach out to Healthnetwork for our family. Pat’s kindness, persistence, guidance and support were outstanding — and just what we needed.”
Identities have been changed at request of the family.
SUSAN LOCKE, MD, is Healthnetwork Foundation’s medical director.
HEALTHNETWORK is a Legatus membership benefit, a healthcare “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected]