This art project – the book and the web site – would not have been possible without the support of many people. From the faces in the photographs, to the people behind the scenes, I am indebted to each and everyone. If a picture is worth a thousand words, these words would be “Thank you!” in a thousand different languages.
Anne Redmond, the art director for the book is responsible for making the photographs come alive, truly breathing life into the pages with her extraordinary talent, precision, dedication, and execution. She deserves all the credit.
My thanks to Kurt Einhaus for being patient with his Photoshop student, Amy Ketchum for contributing her music for the www.five-years-out.org website, Valerie Tomaselli for her counsel, support, and guidance. Sarah Hall for unknowingly providing the spark, and Dr. Linda Marcus for always asking “What are you thinking?!” and really meaning it.
Deep gratitude and respect go to the many dedicated physicians that have directly – or indirectly – touched my life in this journey: Dr. Jock, Dr. Centenera, Dr. Weidner, Dr. Bravin, Dr. Sellers, Dr. Liakeas, Dr. Argenziano, Dr. Bosl, Dr. Rusch, Dr. Rosenzweig, Dr. Krug, along with the incredible staff of Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cobleskill Regional Hospital, New York-Presbyterian, St. Vincent’s, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center hospitals.
I cannot begin to imagine, much less articulate, what kind of special calling and how gifted these medical professionals are. Words do not do justice to their endless efforts, study, skill, and dedication. They are the true descendants of Hippokrates.
Finally, to my wife, my partner, my friend, my author, and bright star: Anna Murray. For always insisting I use the right lens, even if rose-colored, thank you for your love, dedication, starlight, and lion-hearted support.