I woke up this morning to the awful news on the front page of our newspaper that Dr. de Paredes had died on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at the age of 62. What do you say about a woman who saved your life?
Every year for over a decade I put my life in Dr. de Paredes' hands and I trusted her with that life. In January, 2011, as she held my hand through that last awful biopsy that changed my life forever, I knew something bad was coming down the pike. And in that awful moment when you get the news that brings your whole world crashing down, Dr. de Paredes already had a plan laid out for me, and out of the chaos came some order and the glimmer of hope.
I have never trusted a doctor the way I trusted Dr. de Paredes and ultimately perhaps that is the greatest gift you can give any doctor. She was the ultimate professional - a great doctor who was caring and compassionate and treated each of her patients with dignity and respect. I never doubted for a second that she would give my case her full attention and the best she could possibly do.
So, Dr. de Paredes, one last time -- thank you for my life. And it goes without saying that I will never forget you.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/ellen-shaw-de-paredes-breast-imaging-specialist-dies-at/article_b85ec7ed-0770-53ef-9854-dfdc4a5b1479.html
