You are truly more than just my physician.

Hello!

It gives me great pleasure to openly thank God for Dr. Sienna Shields Alford; and to thank her for the difference she has made and is still helping to make in my life.

I became her patient during late 1990; in January of 1991 my first husband (Roosevelt) was diagnosed with cancer. We had just found out about it, but it had already spread to most of his insides. A local oncologist referred him to Dr. Meadows of Chapel Hill Medical University Cancer Center in NC. After many weeks of traveling back and forth to Chapel Hill, Dr. Meadows suggested we find a local physician to act as liaison for Roosevelt; for administering and forwarding results of check-ups and testing. When I went to Dr. Alford and explained the situation, she didn't even think twice, before saying 'yes'. She gladly ran tests and kept Dr. Meadows informed. Roosevelt passed away on Nov. 19, 1991, at the age of 41. Because of God, and Dr. Alford's compassion and caring attitude; my daughter, Shannon (14 at the time) and I were able to get through those trying times. During that period, I developed hypertension, which Dr. Alford has helped me to keep controlled for 25 years.

In 1993, while traveling back and forth to Florence to help my father with my comatose mother; Shannon wrote me a letter saying that she was pregnant. At this point, she was 16, an honor student, volunteer, and very involved in our church; so she was afraid to disappoint me. However, my main thought was that she had not seen a doctor. The very next morning, I called Dr. Alford. Not only did she talk with me; but she called a colleague, and called me back immediately with an appointment for Shannon to see an ObGyn. She was 4 mths pregnant, and she was ok. My mother passed Jan. 20, 1994; and Shannon gave birth to Christopher in April 11, 1994 (2 days before my mother's birthday).

Many years have gone by, and Dr. Alford has been there for me and my family in various ways. Family members have passed, Shannon graduated high school and college with honors; and Christopher is graduating from Clemson with honors. Shannon has another son, Bryson, who was born with sickle cell anemia. I have not had to call on Dr. Alford to help with him; but I'm confident that if call on her, she will answer.

When Dr. Alford decided to go with MDVIP, I wasn't sure that I would be able to stay on as her patient. Yet, after analyzing all that has happened in my life, she had already demonstrated a quality of care, compassion, and thoughtfulness that is priceless. I also appreciate her explanation of why she was choosing to go in this direction. I believe in her desire to develop lasting, meaningful relationships with her patients.

Dr. Alford, we thank God for you; and for how you have allowed Him to use you in the lives of your patients. The relationships you've built with many of us will never be forgotten. You are truly more than just my physician.

Thank you so very much!

Shirley B.