My roots run deep in the Niagara Falls community. My parents raised my brother and I here, and my dad was a well-known bartender at the Como Restaurant for 42 years. I’ve worked in real estate in the Falls area for nearly 40 years and also sold cars at a new car dealership in town. I am grateful for so many connections here.

That includes a long-time connection with Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, our community hospital right near my home in Lewiston. I have supported the hospital for years, serving on the Board of Associates and helping with fundraisers such as pancake breakfasts, golf tournaments and Christmas events.

I have also been a patient at the hospital, perhaps too many times. I have had rotator cuff surgery, knee replacements, gall bladder removal, care for a heart condition and follow-up care after a stroke, all through Mount St. Mary’s. Each time I received exceptional care and made connections with wonderful doctors including Dr. Joseph Bax, orthopedic surgeon; Dr. Benjamin Rueda and Dr. Mohamed Metawee, cardiologists; and Dr. Gregory Sambuchi, the hospital’s head of neurology. All of these connections have enriched my life. That is why I want to recognize these four doctors and all the medical staff at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital.

Please consider supporting Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation with a donation. To make a gift in honor of your caregiver, please visit their website at CHSBuffalo.org/Foundations, to make your secure donation online. Any and every contribution is appreciated. You, or someone you love, may have had a great experience with the caregivers at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital. I encourage you to share your story by filling out the Angel of Care form.

With thanks,

Anthony “Nico” Ricco