On Dec. 8, 2003, I was taken by the rescue squad to Concord Hospital, having been in great duress with difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Dr. Eric Leefmans was contacted at his office and was at the emergency room within minutes. His quick actions determined that I had an unusually enlarged hernia and had me immediately prepped for surgery.

The hernia was so enlarged (the size of a basketball), that it was pressing against my heart and slowly choking me. Had it not been for Dr. Leefmans, I would not be here today.

Dr. Leefmans showed my wife and me great compassion before and following the surgery.

I am totally deaf. Dr. Leefmans took great care to help me understand and alleviate my fears as to what was happening and what needed to be done. Following the surgery, Dr. Leefmans made sure that I had the best of care. He always made sure that I understood what was going on.

My wife and I would not hesitate to entrust our lives to Dr. Leefmans. We support him completely. Dr. Leefmans is not only a good doctor, he is a good man.

Mr. and Mrs. GILMAN HIBBARD

Canterbury