Saturday, January 2, 2021
Jeff Gordon made a tremendous difference in my life when nine other physicians and teams of physicians had misdiagnosed my condition. At the time in 1985, I was barely able to walk, tiring after a few steps, unable to concentrate or maintain my interest in life. I accompanied my wife to her appointment with Dr. Gordon, whom she had described as, “a VERY, VERY good doctor”. That chance meeting changed the course of my life.
I first saw Jeff at his office in Greenvale, through the glass barrier that separated his work area from the reception area, where I was sitting. He was speed-walking by and took a quick glance in my direction. He immediately pointed at me, saying, “I know what you have!” Forty-five minutes later, Jeff confirmed the initial diagnosis he had made in that half a second. He also confirmed that little time remained before, untreated, my condition could have been terminal. I owe Jeff Gordon my life. Thirty-five years later, that whole experience still seems nothing short of a miracle.
I remember Jeff and Marie as a wonderful team, proud and vocal about their children when asked for an update. To the whole family, I want to express how deeply I have always appreciated Jeff’s skills and insights as a physician and, just as much, the exceptional standards he maintained as a human being. I feel a great loss. I will always remember Jeff with much fondness and admiration.
Stanley C. Kelly
