07/02/2026
A letter of recommendation from the sister of a woman I cared for:
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In July 2022, my sister Karen’s health started deteriorating. After visiting multiple doctor’s, she
was diagnosed with metastatic cancer that had spread to her bones. She did not want medical
intervention and wanted to spend what time she had left at home. She was not married, childless,
and both my brother I live in Massachusetts whereas she resided in Florida.
Upon getting approved for hospice care, her good friend and neighbor asked Sallie Laurel, a
friend of his family, if she would be willing to relocate from Tampa to the Ocala area to provide
care for my sister in her home. She agreed and she was a God send! Sallie moved into my
sister’s home and provided round the clock care for Karen. She saw to her every need from
administering medication, coordinating with the hospice staff, personal hygiene, providing
healthy meals, etc. She slept in a twin bed in my sister’s room to be near if Karen needed
anything in the middle of the night.
To say my sister was a difficult patient is an understatement. Not only was she demanding and
difficult to deal with, she had an extensive network of friends although well-meaning, added
another layer of stress to the situation with frequent visits, calls/texts, and unsolicited advice.
Sallie handled all of it with professionalism, patience, compassion and grace during a very
difficult time. To keep all of Karen’s many friends and family members updated, Sallie also took
it upon herself to send out a daily text message to keep everyone informed of Karen’s condition.
Karen told me more than once that she loved Sallie.
Sallie was with my sister for the last nine weeks of her life and made her transition as dignified
and comfortable as possible. If not for Sallie’s care and selflessness, I do not know how we
would have coped with the situation.
I now consider Sallie a friend and feel that anyone who was under her care would be truly
blessed.
