To the editor:

The story in the Breeze about Doctor Mel Youngs was right on the mark. I met Dr. Youngs when, I guess, she was about 12 years old. I was in the ice cream parlor enjoying some great ice cream and I noticed the proprietor scolding a young girl. After the lecture, I found out that this was a father-daughter instructional moment, and the little girl was the destined to become Dr. Mel. Twenty-five years later … Dr. Mel saved my life. I was experiencing pains in my neck and shoulders. I went to Dr. Mel and if she had administered an adjustment, without extensive examination, I would have died from a broken neck. Dr. Mel determined that I had suffered a broken neck … and sent me to the hospital for immediate surgery.

Years later, my wife was experiencing hip pains. We went to a pain management doctor who gave her an injection in what seemed to be the affected area. In days, my wife was having difficulty walking. We returned to the doctor, and another injection was administered. On the third visit, with the situation having deteriorated further … the doctor recommended surgery.

We decided that a visit to Dr. Mel was appropriate before we agreed to the operation. Dr. Mel examined Louise and said that it was her belief that therapy administered over the course of 3 visits would serve to solve the problem completely. It took 4 visits … no injections, no surgery … the pain was gone and all was well.

Dr. Mel and her staff deserve to be considered a Southwest Florida treasure! Cape Coral is fortunate to have this level of professional caring and expertise and the Breeze newspaper should be saluted for recognizing an extraordinary public servant.

Dick Kalfus

Cape Coral