Some of you may have noticed I've been working remotely. I’d temporarily moved to Las Vegas to support my best friend, my travel companion, and my mom, Rita.
She was my BEST and MOST compliant patient, but she’s lost the battle against cancer.
About Her
Rita (Akua) Singleton courageously fought mucosal melanoma of the bladder, a rare type of cancer that impacts only 1% of cancer diagnoses. She didn’t drink or smoke or have any other typical risk factors. While diagnosed in 2018, its progress seemed to be relatively predictable, until the pandemic.
Mom underwent multiple surgeries and immunotherapy to try and control the impact of cancerous growth, but its growth rate was too forceful and widespread. The cancer spread to her brain, lungs, and destroyed her bone tissue.
Despite the impact, mom fought HARD and held incredible tenacity for living the fullest right to the end. In my life, I’ve never seen anyone crave each breath during their cancer fight like she did.
She was a young 73 and an extraordinary example of someone who valued life and took extraordinary care of herself. (read her story)
I am so lucky to have had my mom in my life. She was someone who worked tirelessly for her family and her community. She came from nothing, created an inspiring life, and then gave generously to others.
My Thanks
I’d like to thank the exceptional medical team & advisors over the years for their tireless work, strategy and an incredible example of what a caring provider is:
Centennial Hills Hospital, Las Vegas; Dr. Devries, Nicole (an incredible RN who cared for mom in her last hours)
UCLA; Dr. Everson, Dr. Chmielowski, Adelita Cabagnot, NP, Jules Guerra
UCSF: Dr. Tsai, Dr. Chapman, Dr. Porten, Krisztina Emodi, NP
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Las Vegas: Dr. Sanchez
Reno Integrative Cancer Center: Dr. Eslinger
RGCC of America consult team - Oncocount Testing
Dr. Ira Copeland, MD
Dr. Toni Varela, ND
Dr. Adiel Tel-Oren, MD
Dr. Ryan Partovi, ND
Dr. Robert Duplain, ND
Dr. Melissa Coats, ND
I’d especially like to thank you, my patients, and my staff for your words of comfort, for your flexibility, and for holding space for me over the years. I could not have cared for mom in her last days, without you!
My HUGE ASK of you…
I’d be honored to invite you to come celebrate or just leave a loving message for Rita’s memorial in Las Vegas, where our family and friends will honor her one last time.
I'll be out of the office for the rest of August so that I can attend to my family and my grief. My staff will continue to answer your concerns, refill prescriptions and field urgent questions.
If you still have your mom or a mother figure in your life, honor my mom by reaching out to them to let you know you love them.
Thank you for your patience, prayers and well wishes for her over the years.
XOXO
Dr. Vera
