July 31,2000 Dear Mrs. Cancilla, I felt compelled to write to you after reading your book, "Death by HMO". First, I want to tell you that I am awed by your courage. Only another mother could imagine the pain you went through when you lost your beautiful daughter and then your husband. Painful as it must have been, you did a tremendous service by reliving your experience and sharing it with others so that the truth could be told. I know it helped me by validating my anger at Kaiser (RWC) because of some bad experiences I, too, had there. After six years of asking for help and being "blown off" by doctors, I saw the writing on the wall, and left as soon as I could. I had multiple sclerosis, spinal disc disease and spinal stenosis. Kaiser doctors told me that I was "frustrated". When I complained of back pain, I was told to take "tai chi" lessons, when, as I discovered later, I had 3 dissolved discs. I could go on and on, but let it suffice to say that at some point I realized that I was becoming a "pain in the ass" there, and I was sure that if anything happened to me they would let me die. I was disgusted but not surprised by the description of the sight of your daughter when she finally died. I am so, so sorry that all of this happened to you, but I thank you for having the courage to document it. At Kaiser, I encountered some of the rudest, most ignorant "professionals" I have ever known. I hope that my letter to you will let you know how much your book has helped people like me. I hope that in your future you will find peace and contentment with your wonderful, supportive family. Thank you, Anonymous Back to Top