As a patient of Doctor Mark Heaney since the year 2000, I was stunned and deeply saddened to just hear of his untimely passing in August.  Sadly, my wife, Regina, and I only learned of this tragedy when a Columbia Presbyterian employee called last week to "assign me to another doctor" for my annual check-up.    Doctor Heaney scheduled my yearly appointment on the day before Thanksgiving for more than the last decade.  This annual visit became  a tradition and  an integral part of my holiday season.  Doctor Heaney will be irreplaceable.

In April of 2000 I was diagnosed with a rare leukemia, and our research revealed that there were only 500 such cases in the world each year.  One of the hematologists who initially evaluated and performed diagnostic testing told me that he had only treated one patient with that condition before, and he candidly admitted that the outcome was not successful.

Upon contacting Memorial Sloan Kettering  I was referred to Doctor Heaney.  In researching his background I ascertained that, in addition to having tremendous academic credentials, Doctor Heaney treated approximately 25 patients annually who had the same diagnosis as mine, and they came from all over the world.  I was amazed that, when I made my first call to Doctor Heaney's office, he answered the phone himself.  He was a brilliant, gifted, yet humble physician.

I was in serious condition, and after undergoing chemotherapy treatment which resulted in life threatening side effects, I was hospitalized on an emergent basis.  Throughout that admission Doctor Heaney continually reassured us that things would be alright.  I knew that he had extensive experience with my type of leukemia, and thankfully I responded well to his treatment.

My wife attended every visit with me, and Doctor Heaney always displayed his calm demeanor, great empathy, soulful gaze, and quiet confidence.  It was always our pleasure to speak with him.

Since 2000 my appointment dates went from weekly to monthly,  then from quarterly to semi-annually, and later to a yearly basis.  Although we never socialized, since he had been my doctor for so long our relationship evolved into discussions about our respective professional and family lives, and it was so clear that he loved his wife and children deeply.  

Despite the fact that he was a renowned doctor and scientific expert,  Doctor Heaney was the most accessible physician I ever met.  Many times I bragged about him to friends and colleagues, and I would always say that if I called him during our discussion Doctor Heaney would either answer the phone immediately or call me back before we finished the conversation.  He never proved me wrong.  Also, when my wife received a cancer diagnosis in 2009, Doctor Heaney counseled her and made a referral to the best surgeon at Sloan who specialized in that area.  On each of my visits thereafter he always asked Regina how she was doing as well.

In late 2012 Doctor Heaney told me that he obtained a new position elsewhere and was leaving Sloan in early 2013.   Since he was so well regarded, at first I thought that Doctor Heaney might be transferring to another great hospital in Chicago, Baltimore, or somewhere else outside of the metropolitan area.  I was greatly relieved to learn that his new opportunity was at Columbia Presbyterian, and when he told me he was going there I immediately made it clear that I was "going too."   Although Doctor Heaney was extraordinarily professional by never trying to recruit me to go with him, my choice was clear, and I am sure that I was not the only patient who readily made that transition.  If Doctor Heaney had relocated out of the New York area, I would have gladly boarded a plane to keep receiving his medical care.

To summarize, Doctor Heaney undoubtedly saved my life 22 years ago, and he did the same for countless others throughout his career.  Moreover, he was a devoted husband and father.   In addition to the direct impact which he had upon the well-being of his patients and their families, the various accomplishments later achieved by those whom he successfully treated would in all likelihood not have occurred if Doctor Heaney had not been there in their time of need.

As we grieve this  great loss  during this holiday season, I hope and trust that Mark's wife, Tone, and their children will always have the comfort of knowing that he led a truly wonderful life, and that he shall never be forgotten.

Most sincere condolences.

Don and Regina DiGioia

I met Mark though Tone during the early years of our careers. Life and work  separated us geographically. Mark was there to offer advice whenever I called.  He was a genuine physician. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you .                Monica

To Mark's family--I send my sincerest condolences on Mark's untimely passing.   I have worked with Mark for many years, first at Memorial Sloan Kettering and more recently at NYP Lawrence.  He was a fine physician, mentor and friend.  He will be sorely missed by his colleagues and patients.  I will be out of town on Saturday so will miss the memorial service but my thoughts are with all of Mark's loved ones.

Most sincerely

Nancy Mills MD