To the editor:

The month of May is a special time for remembering others and being thankful for those who have sacrificed so much for everyone. Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and the Suffolk Relay for Life are occasions that help make Suffolk and our country special.

I am very thankful that Suffolk has the facilities and medical teams to fight cancer. I know from personal experiences that we have doctors, staffs and other personnel who are equal to or better than any in this country.

Dr. Victor Archie heads the radiation therapy department at Sentara Obici Hospital. He is a great doctor, and his team and patients are very fond of him. The radiation oncologist is the perfect doctor for Obici and for Suffolk.

Patients quickly realize they are in great hands when they meet Dr. Archie. He does everything humanly possible to make sure his patients receive the best care available.

Dr. Archie’s staff includes Gail Byrd, Valerie Kyles, Beth Bean, Cheryl Vizconde, Lisa Muffet and CJ Outland. I refer to these young ladies as “Archie’s Angels.” These highly skilled women are truly “angels of mercy,” and they have had an impact on many lives.

I have had radiation treatments twice at Obici, and I am very grateful for these young women. Treating cancer is their full-time occupation, and they don’t get a break from the dreaded disease. Cancer does not end for them, and they all put their personal lives aside to be “on” every day.

I am very grateful to Dr. Archie and his Angels, and I will be forever indebted to them. It is very comforting knowing we have such great professionals in Suffolk.

I also would like to thank Dr. Mylie Walker (urologist) and his great staff. I have known Dr. Walker, Dr. Archie and their staffs for years.

“Bedside manner” is a term often used by patients and medical professionals to describe the personal interaction between the professionals and their patients. Everyone I have mentioned specializes in this, and that is why they are perfect for Suffolk.

Craig Parker

Driver