Re "Man wins $1.75 million suit against area doctor" (Sunday Monitor Local & State page, March 9):

I feel the need to come to the defense of Dr. Eric Leefmans.

In May 2006 I found myself very sick and in the emergency room at Concord Hospital. After many tests, it was found that I had a bad infection in my colon. I was admitted for one week, the infection was cleared up and the surgeon (not Dr. Leefmans) sent me home. At home I became sick again and ended up back in the hospital. Dr. Leefmans took on my case. Fifteen hours later, the whole colon was taken out.

The support I received from Dr. Leefmans was outstanding. One year later I had to have my colostomy reversed and once again Dr. Leefmans performed the surgery - again, outstanding. He saved my life and stood by me. In my book, he is a outstanding surgeon. When other waked away, he didn't. I encourage others he has touched to write in and tell their stories.

DAVID HOLMES

Concord