In Loving Memory - The Bernstein Memorial Fund

In Loving Memory of Fred Bernstein 3 May 1922 ~ 3 November 2001 In Loving Memory of Daughter Linda Ann Bernstein 13 March 1958 ~ 16 September 2004	Memorial Services Fred Bernstein 5 November 2001 Eulogy by son Richard Eulogy by brother Seymour Linda Ann Bernstein 19 September 2004 Eulogy by brother Steven Eulogy by companion Roman Eulogy by brother Richard Eulogy by cousin Len
We have established the Bernstein Memorial Fund with the Hospital for Special Surgery. Initially established in 2001 after the death of my father, Fred Bernstein, we wished to show our support for the fine work HSS performs by setting up a fund in his memory. Of all the doctors, hospitals, and medical facilities we dealt with over the years, the HSS surgeons, doctors, staff, and facilities were very special and remarkably different, in approach, patient education, and support. They gave my father relief from pain, helped him to find new ways to cope better with his disability,and most of all, gave him hope for the future.
Tragically, our family needed the help of HSS in March 2004 once again when my sister, Linda, was diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer which had metastasized not only to her skin but also to her femur bones. She had developed large tumors on these bones, severely compromising her mobility in a matter of a couple months. Linda underwent two painful operations to open her legs, remove the tumors, and insert titanium rods into each femur to prevent imminent fracture.
Linda regained her mobility after these surgeries and worked tirelessly through the cancer pain to walk again. She eventually gave up the need for the walker, and didn't even need to use a cane when walking around her apartment. She could often be seen on the streets of Long Island City during the summer of 2004, walking and talking with her neighbors and friends.
Sadly, the cancer pain became more severe and Linda walked into New York Presbyterian Hospital for pain management in July 2004. In their incompetent trial-and-error approach to manage the pain, the doctors and nurses destroyed Linda's mobility in a few days, reversing all of the gains of the prior months, ultimately sending her home by ambulance and preciptating her death. The stark comparison between the care Linda received at NY Hospital versus the care she received from the HSS doctors months before was heart-breaking. Subsequent to Linda's passing, our family decided to revive the Bernstein Memorial Fund for HSS in honor of both my sister and my father. We wish to thank HSS for their kind and compassionate treatment.
Steven Bernstein 29 October 2004

Donations to the Hospital for Special Surgery
Please make your check payable to:
"The HSS Fund, Inc"
In the memo field, write "The Bernstein Memorial Fund"

Launched 5 November 2001 ~ Updated 29 October 2004

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