A Non-Profit Organization
501c3

In Memoriam

We mourn the loss of the following

individuals and we honor their names.

Dr. Robert Keller

Departed - June 5, 2009

We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Dr. Keller. He was the founder and medical director of Biodoron Medical Center, where he conducted research on HIV-AIDS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Dr. Keller was one of the very few CFS specialists in Florida and treated patients in Hollywood, Florida, until 2 years ago when he decided to focus on research. Dr. Keller was an important part of our community and he will be greatly missed.

Taffy Todd

Departed - April 28, 2009

Taffy's daughter Jennifer Todd Taylor writes about her Mother: "Taffy was a warm, loving, smart and sassy woman with a great sense of humor and compassion for everyone. She loved books and movies and her family, she was a talented writer who’d recently completed her first manuscript and was starting on her second. Despite the many tragedies she suffered she managed to enrich the lives of all who knew her.

Click here to read more...

Dr. Steven Croft

Departed - February 16, 2009

A member of PANDORA's Advisory Board

Yvette Taylor writes: "Dr. Croft meant the world to his patients and to P.A.N.D.O.R.A.. We have lost a very special man, but he will live on in the hearts of all who knew him."

Click here to read Yvette's LEMONADE article about Dr. Croft

Click here to read Dr. Croft page on Caring Bridge's web site

Nancy Villard a close friend of Dr. Croft writes:

"When Marly asked if I would write something in memory of Dr. Croft I told her that I would be honored. Having him as my physician for 11 years was a privilege. Losing him to cancer is something that I will never get over. Even now when I visit his office I get a lump in my throat. I'm sure that if you asked his other patients they would tell you the same thing. They would tell you that "There was only one Dr. Croft".

He was an amazing clinician filled with passion for his patients and his profession. He was not just interested in you as a patient but also as a person. He made you feel special. I remember him telling me early on not to get discouraged if one treatment did not work because there would always be other options. This is probably why I was able to continue working in a very stressful job while having fibromyalgia. I knew that no matter how bad it got Dr. Croft would make it better. Dr. Croft gave me hope and that hope keeps me going to this day. He made a real difference in the lives of all of his patients.He left footprints on the hearts of everyone he met.

When his nurse Linda and I were trying to make some sense of what was happening when it was clear that he would not make it she said to me "Just think we will have a wonderful guardian angel to watch over us". She was right he is with us. The kindness and goodness that was so much a part of him will never leave. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know such an extraordinary man. Yes there is only one Dr. Croft."

Jerry Crum

Departed June 1, 2008

We mourn the loss of a hero who valiantly fought and supported the efforts of our overall neuroendocrineimmune community.We mourn his passing and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Jerry was "one of the original patients from the Tahoe outbreak". As stated by one of his friends: "We mourn his departure, but must continue the scientific effort."

Sharon Kirk, PhD

Departed March 3, 2009

We mourn the loss of Sharon Kirk, PhD.

The following eulogy was provided to us by Michelle, a friend of Dr. Kirk.

"Dr. Kirk received her degree at the Pennsylvania State University in Speech Communication, an interdisciplinary field in which she studied psychology, philosophy and communications. She was a professor at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. She has done research in various areas including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Dr. Kirk has worked in private practice as an individual, couple and family therapist working with all populations and issues, although her area of expertise was working with individuals who have the following chronic neuroendocrineimmune illnesses:

- CFS, also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS)
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
- Environmental Illness (EI)
- Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Dr Kirk's expertise on CFS is highly regarded, not only because she has taught and researched the subject and counseled individuals stricken with neuroendocrineimmune illnesses, but also because she suffered with CFS for nearly two decades. She knew what it's like to be bedridden for long periods of time. She knew first hand the heartbreaking challenges individuals face when the crushing fatigue and the cognitive impairments get in the way of daily living. She was quite familiar with the personal , financial and emotional losses individuals with neuroendocrineimmune illnesses experience daily.

Marly Silverman, the Founder of P.A.N.D.O.R.A. dedicated her October 29, 2008 testimony to Dr. Kirk.

Rachel Bray

Departed February 21,2009.

We were informed that by her husband Ben Plunk, that Rachel passed away in her sleep on Saturday February 21, 2009. "At this time, we are making arrangements for her and if you would like to be notified when they are finalized, please email me at ben.plunk@gmail.com and write Rachel in the subject line. I will be sending this out to everyone in her contact list. If you know of anyone else, please forward this message to them. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Marly Silverman, the founder of P.A.N.D.O.R.A. dedicated her October 29, 2009 testimony to the CFS Advisory Committee to Rachels' memory.

Jack DeLuca

Departed Jan 2, 2010

"Beloved and admired, passionate warrior and fighter for our cause, died on Jan. 2, 2010, after a long struggle with CFS/ME and prostate cancer . He refused all invasive treatments and didn't think his tiny immune system could handle conventional treatments. He passed away at his home in Nazareth, PA at the age of 66 and is survived by many beloved members of the CFS community and relatives. He loved everyone here. This was his cause until the day he died. May his name live on forever not only in our hearts but in the vaults of history as a true champion, warrior and loving man who wanted nothing more than to ease our hearts, cheer us on and encourage us to be proactive in finding a cure. May you rest in peace, our beloved brother. We love you and thank you for your presence on earth and in watching over us in the heavens. May peace be with you. " Katie Love

To read his obituary:

http://obits.lehighvalleylive.com/obituaries/etpa/obituary.aspx?n=john-l-deluca&pid=138184471

To click on his guest book to leave a message for his family:

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=5952962856727&cid=full

To see what his friends thought of him:

http://tworosetos.ning.com/forum/topics/john-jack-l-deluca-january-2?commentId=1971054%3AComment%3A22230&xg_source=activity