I would like to take a moment to thank my caregiver, Matthew Schaff, and share a little about why he has become so special to my family and me.

Recently, I spent 11 days in the hospital, a challenging time that coincided with the Christmas holiday. Being ill is difficult in any situation, but spending the holidays in a hospital was especially hard for someone like me – a very private and independent person who prefers to manage things on my own. However, this illness left me with no choice but to accept help, and that’s when Matthew came into my life.

From the very first day, Matthew’s kindness, respect, and understanding shone through. He seemed to intuitively know what I needed, even though I didn’t have to say much. Despite the personal nature of the care he had to provide, his approach made me feel comfortable, supported, and dignified at a time when I was at my most vulnerable. His compassion went far beyond the basics of his job – it brought light into a dark time and made an incredibly difficult experience bearable.

Matthew, you may not realize just how much of an impact you’ve had, but my family and I do. You treated me not just as a patient but as a person, and your care was a true gift, especially during the holiday season. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you’ve done. You’ve reminded me that even in the hardest moments, there are extraordinary people who bring hope and healing through their kindness.