Letters to the Editor

Appreciation:
Dear Editor,

There are so many people who helped my husband, Dr. David L. Stratmon Sr., and me during his long illness that singling out individuals and groups to thank is filled with danger. Surely, I will omit someone who made great personal sacrifice on our behalf. On the other hand, I am compelled to say something.

Early in his illness, he began to fall and couldn’t get himself up. Neither could I raise him up. I had to call 911 many times and the gentlemen from the Holly Springs Fire Department always came out cheerfully and immediately. I especially thank Mr. Richmond who gave me his private number so that I could find him at any time of day. Thank you, Holly Springs Fire Department!

After nearly three months at Trinity Mission Health and Rehabilitation Center, I am convinced that Holly Springs has the best senior care center in the South. The nurses and other personnel were always courteous, caring, and hard working.

Besides that, my husband never felt that he was away from home. He felt comfortable there not only because he knew so many of the employees, but because he was able to carrying on conversations about WWII with other veterans his own age.

He went in for rehabilitation because he could not walk. After three days, he began to stand on his own, and after four days, he could get out of bed and walk for short distances on his own. Thank you, physical therapists.

We spent time in several different hospitals before entering Alliance HealthCare Hospice program. In fact, Dr. Stratmon was given only a few days to live when we arrived at Alliance. He couldn’t eat, there were large sores on his feet, and his mind was unclear.

Once he arrived at Alliance, he began to eat complete meals and snacks, he began to recognize people and carry on coherent conversations, and most of his wounds healed. The wound care was what amazed me the most because I had been told by very many people that foot wounds on diabetics don’t heal. Not so! Thank you, Alliance HealthCare.

Appreciation is extended to North Delta Hospice who made it possible for Dr. Statmon to remain at home for most of his illness.

Also, I am grateful to the people at The South Reporter for chronicling my husband’s activities by publishing articles on his various activities.

All of this is to point out that Holly Springs is a great place to be whether in sickness or in health. I will always have a strong bond with the wonderful people who have guided and accompanied me through a very difficult period.

Again, thank you.
Lillian Jean Wilson Stratmon

Help cancer patients:
Dear Friends,

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2007. Over the course of several months, I underwent a mastectomy and received chemotherapy and radiation treatments. That treatment ended in March 2008.

However, in January, tests indicated that the breast cancer had returned to a different location, requiring two separate stays in the hospital. The recuperation process has been slow, but progressive, and I am currently receiving chemotherapy. That will end soon, and, most likely, I will then have radiation treatment.

I am grateful to God for continually improving my health, and I’m thankful for each prayer that has been offered on my behalf.

Since my diagnosis I have become active in local Relay for Life activities, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Please join me in helping others who have been affected by cancer. We are planning a fashion show featuring cancer patients and survivors Friday, May 29, and the Relay for Life itself on Friday, June 12.

Please attend these events if you can or make a monetary contribution if you cannot.

Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society and mail them to me at 320 N. West Boundary, Holly Springs, MS 38635 by June 1. Contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you for your contribution. If you have any questions, please call me at 662-252-3728.

Sincerely,
Pennie DeBerry
Holly Springs


Thursday, May 21, 2009
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