Thank you for publishing Joe Livarchik’s article on the reunion of the professionals at Mercer Island Pediatrics who have served the children of Mercer Island and the larger community so well, and for so long.

I grew up in Bellevue. Dr. Skinner (no relation in spite of the same last name) was my sister’s and my childhood physician. When she was in 4th grade, for reasons still unknown, my sister became very ill. My mother took her to specialists who struggled with a diagnosis. Despite the involvement of specialists, Dr. Skinner kept searching for an answer to her profound ailment­ — she could no longer walk. After pouring over medical texts, it was he who determined that she had an unusual form of hepatitis, and put her on track for eventual recovery.

Years later, when I was living in New York City, I came back for Christmas at my parents’ house to show off my new baby to family and friends. Christmas Day, her eardrum burst. My mother immediately called Dr. Skinner’s office. We learned he had retired but Dr. Danette Glassy, who was pregnant with her own child, offered to see my daughter in spite of the holiday. I will never be able to thank her enough. Needless to say, when I eventually moved back West to Mercer Island, my children became patients at Mercer Island Pediatrics.

The dedication, professionalism and heartfelt concern of Dr. Skinner and Dr. Glassy are emblematic of all the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercer Island Pediatrics. Not only are they terrific doctors, they have worked with Mercer Island’s school sports teams and advocated for better care for children statewide. So many of us owe so much to this group of health care providers who have given so much to our children, and this entire community.

Suzanne Skinner