Dr. Shigekawa

“For Doctor, Time Has Much to Heal,” Dec. 28: My sister and I were two of the 20,000 babies delivered by Dr. Sakaye Shigekawa. Our parents were young immigrants who did not have the luxury of nearby family to help in crises. Dr. Shigekawa provided us with that sort of support. With today’s HMOs and provider groups, I often find it hard to describe how we actually had a caring human being as our family physician. My parents called her at night and weekends for emergencies, and she even came to my hospital bed when I broke my arm.

I never did tell Dr. Shigekawa how much she contributed to our family’s physical and emotional health, and how much she taught us. She showed everyone that women who stood 4’ 7” in heels could also be giants.

I know I speak for thousands of Angelenos when I say, “Thank you, Dr. Shigekawa!”

TOM DONOHOE

Los Angeles