Paul Savoca
Kitty Bella, as I always referred to her, fought the most valiant fight against her disease that I have ever seen in my 30 years as a colorectal surgeon. Her insistence that she would not be defeated was an ever present theme in "our" seven year battle. She told me what she wanted and mostly I gave it to her - even when I thought she was wrong. She was sailing the ship, I was there to guide her in her journey. She chose me as her physician by storming into my office unannounced demanding to see me -of course I accommodated her and thereafter we never parted ways. My office knew that whenever she needed to see me the answer was always the same - "just come in today". Her demise is a great loss for me personally and professionally, I will always remember her unique and strong willed nature with her ever-present calm demeanored partner David at her side. May she rest in peace.