{"id":8351,"date":"2024-02-21T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8351"},"modified":"2024-02-21T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T15:30:00","slug":"veterans-remarkable-connection-to-his-va-doctor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8351","title":{"rendered":"Veteran\u2019s remarkable connection to his VA doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-02-21T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

A Vietnam Veteran has discovered a remarkable connection to his VA doctor.<\/p>\n

In a small Rhode Island town, a unique thread of healing has woven through generations of a family\u2019s medical legacy. Dr. Michael Addonizio, a compassionate Orlando VA<\/a> physician with a penchant for history, found himself treating a special patient, an Army Veteran.<\/p>\n

The story begins decades ago when Addonizio\u2019s grandfather, Dr. Ercole Addonizio, dedicated his life to medicine. He served the tight-knit community in Rhode Island, becoming a trusted community legend, especially among the neighborhood children.<\/p>\n

One such family was the Stones, whose young son Robert found solace and care under Dr. Ercole Addonizio\u2019s watchful eye. Stone was diagnosed with polio at 19 months of age.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fast forward to the present and Dr. Michael Addonizio is continuing his family\u2019s commitment to health care. Little did he know that his path would intersect with the now adult Robert Stone, a Vietnam Veteran grappling with the aftermath of exposure to Agent Orange. He sought Addonizio\u2019s expertise for liver cancer after a CT scan came back with two life-threatening tumors.<\/p>\n

Connection created a bridge between two eras of healing<\/h2>\n

As Addonizio delved into Stone\u2019s medical history, the realization dawned on Stone. The familiar surname echoed through his memory. The profound connection between their families unfolded, creating a bridge between two eras of healing.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/a>
Veteran Robert Stone <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Veteran that Addonizio is now treating is the same little boy his grandfather cared for in Rhode Island.<\/p>\n

Addonizio approached Stone\u2019s care with expertise and a unique understanding of his medical history. The two quickly became fast friends, bonding over their connection to their past.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would blow off my appointments and follow-ups prior to Dr. Addonizio getting involved with my care. When Dr. Addonizio introduced himself, I instantly had a flashback and knew I could trust him with my care,\u201d Stone said.<\/p>\n

Through shared memories and old photographs, Addonizio and Stone forged a bond that surpassed the typical doctor-patient relationship. The family legacy inspired Addonizio to channel his grandfather\u2019s empathetic approach to medicine.<\/p>\n

Their journey together became a testament to the enduring impact of a family\u2019s dedication to healing. Addonizio, guided by the stories of his grandfather\u2019s compassion, not only addressed Stone\u2019s medical needs but also provided a therapeutic bridge between the past and present.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy care is in the best hands.\u201d<\/h2>\n

Top photo: Addonizio and Stone at discharge after treatment for liver cancer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a long road ahead of me, but I trust my care is in the best hands. I\u2019ve been through a lot. But I know better days still lie ahead, thanks to Addonizio and his grandfather who treated me as a child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Vietnam Veteran was treated for polio as a small boy. Decades later he discovered a connection to his doctor\u2019s grandson, a VA doctor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nVeteran\u2019s remarkable connection to his VA doctor - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A Vietnam Veteran was treated for polio as a small boy. 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