I am Marie's aunt from Kansas. This comment is in honor of my niece, Marie Musolino, who took care of Gemma during her illness with cancer. Early on in Gemma’s cancer, Marie was always there to take her to the doctor, help her understand what the doctor was telling Gemma, and giving her support. Last fall, it appeared that Gemma would need more assistance at home. Marie asked her employer if she could go part time to enable her to spend afternoons with Gemma until her family came home from work. When it appeared that Gemma really needed someone to be with her all day, Marie took a leave of absence from work to be with her. She administered medications, kept track of visitors and dealt with the various health care workers who came to care for Gemma, and was a confidant and good company for Gemma. They talked about good times, they laughed and cried together, they talked about death and dying and Gemma’s concerns about her family after she was gone, they even planned her funeral so the family would not be burdened with it. Due to her medical background as a surgical tech at the hospital, Marie was able to help Gemma and her family understand what was happening to her as she became more critical up until her death. And, so, in the midst of sadness and grief, I want to honor my niece, Marie, for all she did to make Gemma’s last months as comfortable as possible. Marie is mature beyond her years. I know it was also a gift for Marie to spend these last months with Gemma, her “mother” and aunt. Marie has always been a caretaker for anyone who needed assistance. From her diabetic grandmother who was unable to walk before she died, to her father who has a variety of medical problems, to her roommate who had a serious disease, to her cousin who needed help with her young children-Marie was always there. . So, Marie, I think it is time for someone to take care of you! I know that your hearts desire is to become a nurse. You have already demonstrated that you have the intelligence and the caring to be a great nurse. So, whatever it takes, we all need to help you make that happen. Thanks so much for your caring spirit. As you grieve Gemma’s death, please know that your gift to Gemma was priceless, and was very special to both of you. I am so very proud of you. Aunt Pam