I have been in chronic pain for close to 40 years now and have known Dolly for approximately 15 years of those. Over these years, I have encountered countless medical personnel, undergone numerous producers, as well as surgical procedures. I have also worked as a speech language pathologist in inpatient rehabilitation, acute, and in x-ray settings for numerous years myself. There are very few practitioners that Dolly is in league with. Dolly has been a literal life line in my constant battle with chronic pain. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty numerous times.

On many occasions, she has advocated for me when I could not or have tried and failed, with her excellent communication skills and diplomacy. Dolly has given me alternate strategies to put in my “toolbox” to use when medical options have not been enough or effective. I know that when I call her, not only does she call me back almost immediately, but that my needs will be addressed. She has helped me navigate through several medical issues when I was at my wits end frustrated, and exasperated. In these days of a “time is money” society, Dolly always takes her time and listens to me and my concerns and comes up with a plan of action. She has communicated with my physician and his staff on numerous occasions. Dolly has even called me just to “check in” to see how I am doing after an adjustment with my pump, stimulator, or after a procedure that is unrelated to my pump. This type of care is extremely rare.

To illustrate my point my point; on Labor Day weekend I was confused regarding my alarm date. I called her on a Sunday to leave a message for her to call me later during the upcoming week at her convenience. She immediately called me back. She was out on a boat with friends in the middle of a lake and did not have good reception. However, she stated that she was going to come to shore and call me back. A couple of minutes passed and she returned my call just because I was confused about my alarm date! It was not even an emergency and could have waited! Keep in mind, that I was not in any physical, mental, or emotional distress, just confused; but that is just Dolly. She truly cares about her patients and I have no doubt that I am the only one singing her praises. She is a breath of fresh air!

Dolly's personality and demeanor are professional, but also very humorous, compassionate, and empathetic. I have only come across a very select few who are as dedicated and committed to patient care and advocacy and that are truly selfless as Dolly. This also applies to most of my colleagues across the therapy spectrum, such as occupational, physical, recreational, and speech therapists as well as physicians and nurses I have worked along side with. Not only am I grateful for her excellent care over the years, but I am also proud to call her my friend.