Heartfelt Stories – Finding Strength, Close to Home: Laura’s Story

Serena C., RN [left], Laura Akerley [center], and Kate Pellegrino, PT, DPT [right], stand together and smile at Monadnock Community Hospital.
Heartfelt Stories – Finding Strength, Close to Home: Laura's Story
Heartfelt Stories – Finding Strength, Close to Home: Laura’s Story

Heartfelt Stories

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are proud to share our Heartfelt Stories featuring inspiring testimonials from our patients, employees, volunteers, donors, and community members. Each story reflects the exceptional care, support, and compassion that define our commitment to our community. Join us in celebrating these remarkable journeys and the difference compassionate care can make.

After abdominal cancer surgery at another facility, Laura Akerley of Hancock came to Monadnock Community Hospital for rehabilitation. She needed to regain her strength, and she needed a team she could trust.

She found both.

“Kate was my lead PT, and she was just wonderful,” Laura says. “The team was motivating, compassionate, and actually fun. It helped me physically and emotionally. Fairly quickly, I was ready to do everything on my own.”

Months later, severe pain brought Laura back to MCH, this time to the Emergency Department.

“They acted quickly and got me through a traumatic experience,” she says.

Laura was treated by Brian D. Kwitkin, MD, who helped guide her through a bowel blockage and subsequent hospitalization.

“Dr. Kwitkin sat with me and my husband. He was warm, compassionate, and easy to talk to.”

She spent five days recovering in the Medical-Surgical Unit, where the care she received left a lasting impression.

“So many wonderful nurses, like Serena, were all so professional and kind.”

Today, Laura visits the Oncology Department for regular bloodwork and continues to experience the same dependable and personal care.

“They’ve been wonderful. Not just convenient, but incredibly accommodating. In all my experiences, I’ve felt valued.”

Laura’s story reflects the strength of coordinated care close to home. From rehabilitation and emergency treatment to surgery, inpatient care, and oncology, multiple teams came together to support her recovery with skill, compassion, and respect.

Finding Strength, Close to Home infographic sharing Laura Akerley's rehabilitation journey and the benefits of recovering close to home.