Dr. Kariya took care of my Mom when she had emphysema, and after several years, diagnosed her small cell lung cancer leaving her with only a few months to live. When we went to get the results of her tests, he had cleared his calendar and there were no other patients to be seen in his office that afternoon. He delivered the news with directness and compassion. He praised my Mom on her bravery when she asked how long she had left to live. He got me alone to see if I was ok and if I had any questions, and understood when I told him not to do that because I would lose it and couldn’t do that for my Mom’s sake. I have not been well and have seen many doctors myself, but had never been to see someone with more caring and respect for his patients than Dr. Kariya.

Submitted Nov. 15, 2014