“Mom was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2002 and spent the next 17 years going for dialysis treatment several times a week at Humber,” explains Marco Guzzo. “She called it ‘going to work’, but she loved coming here. She formed relationships with the people she met. They were like her second family.”

This past October, a plaque in honour of Rose Guzzo was unveiled in Humber River Hospital’s Dialysis Unit at the Wilson site. Rose’s sons Marco and Eugene were there to mark the occasion which was extra special since it took place on Rose’s birthday. They explain why making this gift in honour of their mom is so important to them:

“It was in her nature to give. Even when she was sick and didn’t feel well, she continued to take care of others. Mom was always a positive person. You always felt better after talking to her,” recalls Eugene.

The inscription reads: In loving honour of Rose Guzzo, Always giving, Always smiling.

Her sons hope the plaque serves as a reminder to those reading it to stay positive.

The inscription reads:

In loving honour of Rose Guzzo
Always giving
Always smiling

“The staff at Humber did a great job looking after her and keeping her with us for all these years. She would come home talking about how nice people were,” Marco recalls with a smile. “We will forever be grateful for the experience Mom had here at Humber. We hope the inscription brings a smile to people’s faces and for the staff members who knew her, we hope it jogs a positive memory of Mom.” One of those caregivers was Dr. Andreas Pierratos, a long-time and well-loved Humber Nephrologist. Rose’s family remembers her speaking about Dr. Pierratos’ kindness…even earning the title of Rose’s favourite doctor!

“I remember Rose fondly. She always greeted me with a warm smile and kind words,” remembers Dr. Pierratos. “I was impressed at how astute she was when giving feedback about her care, how resilient she remained through adversity, and how ably she made the right choices. Rose understood the issues and handled them stoically. She will be missed.”

For Rose’s family, being able to honour her in the halls of Humber has brought with it some closure and peace, even though her loss is still felt.

“We miss her, but know she’s now an angel looking over us, and looking over this unit at Humber. We hope she’s enjoying some of her favourite things from above. She loved to dance and listen to music. Thanks to me and Marco, she even grew to love Guns N’ Roses!” shares Eugene.

“We will forever be grateful for the experience Mom had here at Humber. We hope the inscription brings a smile to people’s faces and for the staff members who knew her, we hope it jogs a positive memory of Mom,” says Marco.

Do you have a loved one you would like to honour or remember at Humber?  Check out Humber River Hospital Foundation’s In Memory Fundraising Page here to learn more about the options.