Our Clients and Their Stories

(used by permission)

“I wholeheartedly recommend Barbara for anyone seeking medical advice, patient advocacy or support from a healthcare professional, with years of experience and expertise. In short, my fathers cancer has been responsive (shrinking) thanks to the cancer treatment Barbara helped us find; while 3 surgeries, 3 years, 2 rounds of chemo were not effective.

Barbara's research and recommendation methodology is thorough, clear and consistent. I felt confident that with Barbara we had a solid opportunity to consider every possible level of treatment available. Barbara was receptive to our family's boundaries when it came to treatment locations and styles. Barbara was also flexible as it took a lot of effort and time for my family to align on responses and updates. Personally, I really enjoyed Barbara's straightforward, professional and genuine "bedside manner." Regarding anything medical, my father is often difficult, reactive, defensive and stubborn. Barbara was able to handle his sarcasm and resistance with ease which I am grateful for.

Finally, generally speaking, for anyone unsure, personal medical advocacy is absolutely a worthwhile, high priority service to seek and invest into. In so many other areas of our lives we hire experts to help us protect our interests and reach our goals (accountants, lawyers, financial advisors, even wedding planners); but all too often accept our medical advice and direction from just one or two sources whose interests are split between the organizations they works for, the insurance companies who pay them and all the clients they see. Doctors are human and they are extremely busy. If for no other reason than to double check things - it's always worth it to try and build a support team for yourself or a loved one.”

Caroline Eschbach - CEO, CA

“I am extremely grateful for Barbara Abruzzo’s efficient, professional and empathic work as a health advocate. I contacted her because my 65 year old sister--who had a stroke 10 years ago that left her partially paralyzed, wheelchair bound, and with aphasia--was in a rehab facility in NY after an operation on her foot, and needed to be discharged and moved back to her apartment in Brooklyn, just when the COVID-19 pandemic was accelerating in NY, and I was in lockdown at my home in Mexico City.

Barbara not only successfully coordinated the discharge in a matter of days, but helped prepare for my sister’s return home by organizing home health aides, housecleaning, and the purchase of necessary supplies. 

Since that time, she has supported us in the reorganization and supervision of my sister’s health care, nutrition, and household administration, so that she has been able to continue living independently safely and with adequate supervision.

In four months, my sister has gone from needing 24-hour care to 4 hours of help per day, recovered her confidence in her body and made significant progress in her motor and daily-life skills through physical and occupational therapy that Barbara arranged. Barbara also continues to coordinate my sister’s health care and home health aide which has allowed me much greater tranquility, while also keeping me informed of the situation in a clear and timely manner, which had not been the case previously. 

In comparison with other health advocates I interviewed, Barbara was the only one who approached the situation facing me in an integral manner, taking into account all the factors involved—health issues, quality of life, personalities, economy, etc. She moved forward confidently, professionally and determinedly to resolve the problems at hand, even in the complicated situation of the COVID-19 crisis, and has continued to be an indispensable ally to my sister and myself in dealing with the challenges posed by her health condition.”

Karen Cordero Reiman, Art Historian/Curator/Writer, Mexico City

“My experience with Barbara Abruzzo when I was in crisis. It started with the dreaded phone call, my Dad was having a heart attack. My brain immediately went into overdrive as my 70 year old Dad was on his way to Stony brook Hospital in an ambulance. I was one hour and a half away so I had some time to think. I started to pray right away for his health, well-being, and safety. Pulling in all my resources I called medical decision support specialist Barbara Abruzzo. Having access to her knowledge and expertise in navigating the health care maze was an extraordinary blessing during this time of crisis for me. When Barbara answered my call she immediately put me at ease and started an action plan. We spoke on the phone hour after hour as I completed each step of the plan. As a result, my dad was able to get the expert cardiac care he needed as we got him into St. Francis Hospital.

This was no easy task. With Barbaraʼs emotional support and guidance I was able to navigate through the hospital system going from one health care professional to the next higher up the chain of command to facilitate moving my father to St. Francis. Barbara supported my every move, assuring me that the right decision was made. With her guidance, I gained the confidence to speak with hospital personnel and facilitate an immediate move to St. Francis where I truly believe my dadʼs life was saved. Upon admittance to St. Francis, my dad went straight into open-heart surgery where doctors conducted a quintuple bypass. Ninety-seven percent of his main arteries were closed. My dadʼs life was hanging in the balance and every minute wasted meant that his life was in jeopardy.

Barbara was my guiding force during this time of crisis. She supported my own emotional and physical state by being present with me in every way. She answered my questions directly and succinctly. She gave me an action plan and guided me step by step through each health care procedure that saved my dadʼs life. Barbara told me what to expect before it actually happened. Hence, I was fore-armed and ready to deal with the system so I could be the best advocate for my dadʼs health. I could tap into my own reserves and give my support to my own family--my mom, my siblings, and most importantly, to myself. As my dad went through surgery, Barbara was already planning the next move--rehab, the trip home, and post-surgery support. Her support held me in a loving embrace where I felt empowered and ready to be my dadʼs best health advocate. Many thanks to you Barbara and may you continue with your professional services for the benefit of those in need.”

Lars Svanberg, entrepreneur, Sagaponack, NY

“I have worked with Barbara Abruzzo since August 2010. Originally I sought her advice regarding osteoporosis as well as symptoms of arthritis, fatigue, lethargy, brain fog, and memory lapse. After taking a thorough health and family history, she helped me establish a nutritional program to address these problems. Improvement was evident within the first three months, as greater energy and mental clarity began to appear. The positive changes continued and testing a year later showed that the downward trend in the osteoporosis was halted. I have maintained the dietary plan, along with exercise, and am very pleased at the ongoing feeling of increased well-being and health. Barbara has also been a helpful resource for my questions before surgery and has provided useful guidance in making medical decisions. In addition to being highly professional and medically competent, Barbara has a warm and intuitive approach that makes working with her a delight, and, in times of uncertainty, a comfort. Her interest in the total health of a person - physical, emotional, and spiritual - makes me feel very well cared for and safe. I highly recommend Barbara Abruzzo as a nutritionist, medical advisor, and specialist in whole health problem solving.”

Christina Banks, psychotherapist, Maine

“My mother passed away from ALS earlier this year. As hard as I tried, I just could not navigate all of the complicated aspects of my mother’s care while maintaining my full-time job. When a friend suggested I hire a healthcare advocate (I was skeptical at first); but knew that something needed to change - and quickly. I made a call to Barbara, and just like that I was able to take a huge step back and focus on what I really wanted to focus on – making the most of the time spent with my mother without having the added stress and responsibility of chasing doctors, interpreting test results, or figuring out the best course of care for her, etc.

In my opinion, what really made Barbara stand out as an advocate was her concern not only for my mother’s care and comfort, but for mine as well. She taught me that my emotional state was just as important during this process in order for me to truly be present for my mother. She saw that I was struggling internally, and provided the extra emotional support that she identified as me needing during this very difficult time. I highly recommend Barbara, as her knowledge and wisdom are invaluable resources, especially during critical times of need.”

Jennifer Lemmen, operations executive, New Jersey

“Earlier this year when my cousin who was in a hospital across the country, she called me to help her make medical decisions. My cousin was a diabetic in renal failure on dialysis was transferred to a transitional care facility. Within a few weeks, I became extremely concerned with the care she was getting. 

I hired Barbara to help me and within an hour of being retained Barbara called me and told me that we needed to get my cousin into a hospital immediately. This was done with Barbara managing the entire process from choosing the right hospital, getting my cousin admitted and finding the right surgeon in to repair a severe pressure sore.  When the surgeon advised that my cousin enter hospice care, Barbara guided and counseled the entire family. Barbara was extraordinarily knowledgeable and compassionate in helping me make an extremely difficult decision especially in view of my wife’s passing only three years earlier. 

A decision was made to bring my cousin home to die but she had become a hoarder and although she lived in a lovely home it had to be cleaned out prior to establishing in-home hospice care. Barbara found just the right people to do this expeditiously and with great care for many of my cousin’s valuable acquisitions.

Barbara using her experience as a nurse, found and interviewed numerous home health aides before helping us choose the right live-in. I was able to get my cousin home before her birthday where she died ten days later with safe, loving care. I have no idea how anyone could have accomplished so much in so little time and cannot imagine anyone more competent and caring than Barbara both for the patient and the family. She has my unreserved confidence, gratitude and recommendation.”

Pete C., engineer, Ohio

“Before we met Barbara, we had bought a wheelchair for my ailing elderly mother, and my father was exhausted from attempting to take care of her, and becoming ill himself. Barbara met with our entire family for 3 hours and then found us a fantastic home health aide within days of beginning the search, an equally fantastic physical therapist who makes home visits, as well as, the best orthopedic surgeon and Geriatrician.

Barbara also set up a diet and supplement regime for both parents that has also done them a lot of good. In less than a year, my mother now walks on her own with no wheelchair, cane or anything, and my dad has regained his health. Annie, our health aide, says that Barbara was always available for questions, and helped immensely in setting up routines and fine tuning the supplements, etc. My brother and sisters and I no longer worry during the day, because we know our parents are being well taken care of. Barbara did such a good job in setting us up, that we no longer need her on a continuous basis, but know that she is there if we ever need her for questions, doctor’s referrals, or anything else. Thank you Barbara!”

Julie Mankiewicz, educator, New York

“Barbara provided exactly the services I needed to help ensure a good outcome for my recent complex heart surgery – from researching the top heart surgeons in New England, helping me weigh my surgical options and choosing the best hospital, to providing emotional support to my wife while I was in the ICU. I am grateful for her guidance in what was a near-optimal experience. I recommend Barbara highly, and would gladly work with her again if the need arises.”

Mike Lints, MIT engineer, Chicago

“I have been a Multiple Sclerosis patient for 25 years. I hired Barbara Abruzzo to help me find better care and outcomes when I was already working with the head of the MS Department at Columbia Presbyterian!

Barbara researched and referred me to who she considered was the best MS specialist in New York while helping me improve the quality of my physical and emotional well-being.  After an extensive intake, Barbara referred me to a wonderful psychotherapist and put me on an excellent fitness and nutritional protocol for MS.  This included a referral to an excellent Pilates instructor and a change in my diet and supplements which helped me to better manage the progression of my disease. 

Barbara is a brilliant, intuitive, compassionate & extremely connected healthcare professional who is an expert at assessing complex health care needs. She acts with a sense of urgency and her Rolodex is unparalleled. There’s no one else I know who equals her comprehensive intake and extensive research on physicians and treatments. She is the only person to work with if you have a progressive degenerative disorder and want the best and right care!”

Lynn Arthur, IT consultant, Southampton, NY

“Barbara, you were the sound guidance while understanding our distress. Your expansive expertise in setting up and navigating home healthcare arrangements was exactly what we needed. Even within such a short window working together, you went above and beyond in offering advice and communicating with us, asked all the right questions and were available with solid counsel each time we reached out, which was often.

The future of healthcare needs people like Barbara and the services and support she offers. Thank you Barbara for all you do for all who are in need!”

Susan, Diane and Marc - North Carolina, New Jersey and California

“At one point, a day after getting home from extensive abdominal surgery, I was feeling very weak and my doctor’s office staff was not listening to me. Immediately after calling Barbara, she made an emergency assessment and called my doctor and an ambulance, sending me back to the hospital believing I might have a post operative infection and she was correct. I trust her with my life.”

Alma Phipps, graphic designer, NYC

“When my aunt was released from the hospital to die because they were not able to diagnose what was wrong, I called Barbara in desperation. Within 24 hours, we had a new doctor and tentative diagnosis, followed by an inter-hospital transfer. There is no question in my mind that her life was saved by Barbara’s intervention. I highly recommend Barbara and am grateful to know her.”

Lynn Arthur, IT consultant, South Hampton

“Barbara helped me navigate through a complicated health situation. I needed abdominal surgery but with a complicated health history, faced considerable medical risks. Barbara referred me to more than five physicians, both surgeons and gynecologists. She prepared me nutritionally and emotionally for my surgery. Her considerable knowledge and holistic approach helped me sort through my issues and options, and to make my own informed decisions with confidence regarding which doctors and treatments were best and right for me.”

Laura B., advertising executive, East Hampton, NY

“My trusted primary care physician referred me to Barbara Abruzzo, and her guidance led to my cure from prolonged Lyme’s disease. She brought a deep knowledge of the disease, and supported me psychologically, while helping me navigate the confusing medical choices I faced. I’m 100% well today and owe much of that to her.”

Dave Sokolin, international entrepreneur, NYC

“Barbara is an alchemist. She helped save my daughter’s life, then empowered me to transform from stuck to un-stoppable.”

Joey Hoffman, writer and mother of Daisy who received a multiple-organ transplant, Arizona