For more than five decades, Dr. Melvyn Sandler was the heart of his Montréal dental practice – treating up to four generations of families and refusing to turn away anyone in financial need. Caring for people wasn’t just his profession; it was his nature. When he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, that care finally came full circle.
Entrusted to a most compassionate, dedicated and devoted hematologist-oncologist, Dr. Tanya Skamene, and the team at St. Mary’s Cancer Care Day Centre, Dr. Sandler visited the Hospital regularly for routine blood work. Over three years of treatment, one blood-procurement technician came to know him well, reading the subtle signs of his fatigue. On his hardest days, she would quietly call the clinic ahead of time to try and secure a bed where he could rest while waiting for treatment.
This was one of the many acts of kindness and deep concern that prompted his wife Eleanor to write a heartfelt letter to the Cancer Care Day Centre – and her words speak for themselves.
Dear Jennifer and the entire team of “Angels” of the Cancer Care Day Centre,
It is difficult to find the words of deepest gratitude to each of you for truly being “angels” in the care you showed to my late husband Dr. Mel Sandler.
Your collective warmth, professionalism, humour and genuine compassion helped ease the trepidation, anxiety and uncertainty that one feels upon hearing a cancer diagnosis and having to embark on a course of tedious and debilitating treatment.
Each of you both individually and collectively provide an atmosphere in the treatment room of comfort, support and always hope.
The humour, extra warm blankets, pillows and assistance in every way possible, all are indications of your dedication and tireless efforts that never go unnoticed and contribute to the amazing impact you have on your patients and their families every day.
At a time when working in the medical field is fraught with extreme hardship, you rise above and prove that despite all the difficulties, there are truly “Angels” in our hospitals.
My family joins me in thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done to help in every way possible, our cherished husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, the late Dr. Mel Sandler.
May each of you be blessed with the strength and good health to continue carrying out your exceptional professional duties.
With profound admiration,
Ellie Sandler and Family
