[BobbyB]

OPINION ,,Mayek, Hamilton and Duesterbeck: UW has lost incredible asset in Dr. Brooks
A letter to the editor — 1/11/2008 11:56 am

Dear Editor: It was just a little more than two years ago when we first walked in to the UW Neurological Department with our mother, whose ability to walk and whose overall health was quickly deteriorating. Desperate for a diagnosis, we had finally been referred to Ben Brooks, M.D.

We will never forget when Dr. Brooks delivered the worst news possible that day. He diagnosed our mother with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). But there was a part of that experience that we'll always appreciate -- the gentle way that Dr. Brooks shared that horrible news.

Although the diagnosis terminal, he gave my mom just the right amount of information, truth and hope. We looked forward to our appointments with him, realizing how bittersweet it was to have such a magnificent resource in this community.

We're not privy to the politics that caused him to leave Madison for North Carolina. But we understand his frustration with being denied research dollars to better understand, study and possibly find a cure for this unfortunate disease. The irony is that Wisconsin has the highest rate of ALS in the country.

We hope that the UW Medical School is truly aware of what a loss this is for our community. We know that, like us, there are many other families and friends who thank him for his dedication to helping understand, diagnose and treat those afflicted with ALS, and for his efforts to boost awareness through MDA fundraising, his own physician practice, support groups and teaching.

Our mom died almost a year ago. While the experience of watching her demise is a sorrowful subject for us, we will always remember "Gentle Ben" for helping us with this life lesson.

Nancy Mayek, Beth Hamilton and Ann Duesterbeck, Verona

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/letters/266780