Cover Story

An outstanding doc

By None

ROCKFORD WOMAN

Feb 21, 2008 @ 12:01 AM

I would like to let the world know what an exceptional and caring person Dr. Angela Rodriguez has been for the 19 years I have known her. My son, Derek, was born Jan. 30, 1989, at Rockford Memorial Hospital weighing 1 pound, 11 ounces.

After spending six months in the neonatal unit under the care of Dr. Rodriguez and a few other doctors, he was allowed to come home weighing just over 5 pounds. Unfortunately, he ended up spending most of the next five months in Pediatric Intensive Care. 

When he was stable enough to come home, he required care 24 hours per day, seven days per week. When I asked Derek’s pediatrician at the time for more help, I was told if I couldn’t handle him, to put him in a home. 

I was elated to find that Dr. Rodriguez had gone into private practice. Within hours, she got approval not only for 24-hour nursing care but also weekly home visits by her so Derek did not risk catching even the slightest cold in public.

I cannot think of a more deserving lady to receive your award. 

— Lori Shoemaker, Machesney Park