[Carl in Tampa]

My experience with Moffitt is with the TAMPA FACILITY.

My wife was discovered to have late stage ovarian cancer with about a 21% chance of survival for 5 years (the standard measure used in cancer cases.) Moffitt doctors, using experimental medicines, got her to the point that she went into full remission.

However, about 5 years later she developed leukemia. After about 2 years of treatment, during which she went into and out of temporary remission a few times, we agreed to another experimental trial medication. This time it did not work and I lost her.

During this period I developed a cancer and had surgery and subsequent radiation treatment at Moffitt.

Throughout all of this we were greeted with friendliness and treated with compassion. I still return periodically for check ups and there are some receptionists I always seek out to visit with because they became friends.

The actual number of hospital beds at Moffitt is relatively few. Moffitt is primarily an outpatient treatment facility. It is set up for a high volume of patients, with appropriate diagnostic machines, chemotherapy and radiological treatment machines, all on site.

For ladies who might lose their hair during chemotherapy, there is an on site shop for selecting fashionable head scarves and/or wigs.

All parking is by free Valet Parking. Because of the high volume of outpatient traffic this is the only efficient method of moving traffic. There is a cafeteria in the hospital. Visiting hours are virtually unrestricted.

Volunteers provide a number of services to make the patients comfortable. At certain times a volunteer plays the piano in the lobby. A bass violin player visits individual rooms and plays requests. Other musicians provide music in different venues. There is an art department where patients are encouraged to express themselves with painting.

And, throughout the facility jigsaw puzzles are everywhere. This is because a lot of waiting is inevitable and assembling the puzzles helps pass the time.

The bottom line, for me, is that the doctors, nurses, technicians and staff at every level were friendly and compassionate in their relationship with us.

The facility efficiently handles hundreds of outpatients daily. It is well organized and efficient.

Moffitt Cancer Center is one of 41 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country and the only one based in Florida. They engage in research and clinical trials. And, of course, it is a teaching hospital.

Having said all of this, I cannot offer an opinion regarding the associated Moffitt facility here in The Villages.