In memory of Richard DellaCamera

Yale-New Haven Hospital will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our youngest son, Richard, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of five, and he became an outpatient of YNHH until his death on January 3, 1982, a day before his 10th birthday. While at YNHH, we all got to know the staff in the Pediatric/Cardiology Unit.

They all seemed so deeply involved and caring for my son, which made him feel like he was visiting instead of getting treated. His cardiologist, Dr. Charles Kleinman was an extraordinary person whom Richard loved and was always glad to see since he not only showed a lot of compassion but also was able to share a lot of laughs with him. The staff, doctors, interns, nurses, office staff and technicians were all very caring to my son and always made him feel special. It was comforting to my husband and me to know they were so involved with Richard's illness since we were frequently there for outpatient visits. What helped us to cope after my son's death was the fact that Dr. Kleinman and the staff at YNHH did everything humanly possible to help him. We had all donations sent to the Yale Pediatric Unit in memory of Richard.

Fred and Phyllis DellaCamera
Branford, Conn.