My husband is a patient of Dr F and thus, has been lucky that Franny Montalvo, is his nurse. Franny has been an exceptional advocate for my husband and one that we are so grateful to have. To give you a little background, my husband was diagnosed with CML 13 years ago and had a bone marrow transplant 12 years ago at MCV. In the 12 years we have dealt with the hospital, we have met many wonderful, caring people and many that have made our life easier with the assorted problems that he has encountered. We count these people as treasured friends now.

Franny came into our life at a time that we really needed someone with the attributes she possesses. My husband was at a low point with his pulmonary function and the medicines he had tried did not work. Dr F had one more possibility but it was very expensive and insurance was not going to pay. Franny worked hard and endlessly - gathering information, keeping us up to date and telling me what I could do to help this situation. She became our advocate and more importantly, she was so warm and encouraging and caring. She worked quickly and efficiently and she got the authorization that we needed so badly. We are so grateful that Franny found time in her busy day and in this case, days, to give over and beyond what was required of her job description.

Franny has taught me to be even more organized than I was already. Franny Montalvo is an exceptional reflection on the VCU Health System. She is professional with a caring persona.