"...Thank goodness for Kathy Gurland, she was my savior during this difficult time. She pointed me in the right direction. She had me ask the doctors questions that I would have never thought of. Kathy showed the caring and compassion for me like I was a family member. She took the time to make sure I had the right guidance so that when I did go into the surgery, I felt that I could accept whatever happened. Thank goodness I did not end up having cancer, but I truly could not have made it through such a scary time had it not been for Kathy. "

Suzanne, 43
New York, NY

" KG is one of the most committed and caring individuals I have ever met. When my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years ago, I called her. She talked me through all the options that were available to him and gave me suggestions that the doctors had not expressed. My father is still alive today and continues to go for his treatments.

Through Kathy’s knowledge, she ensures that one has thought through all possibilities and options before making any healthcare decisions. She is dedicated to helping individuals feel comfortable with their decisions about what is right for them. And because she personally has been affected by the trauma of cancer striking her own family, she understands well the emotional challenges that it presents, in addition to the physical ones. "

R. Davis
International Advisor for Humanitarian Disaster Assistance

" Kathy helped me out when my Uncle was in the hospital and felt trapped. He wanted to go home to die more than anything and couldn't communicate this to his family, as they wanted him to try a few more treatments. He became desperately unhappy and felt that staying in the hospital was worse than death. When I heard this, I knew that I had to help him. So I told him not to worry. I called Kathy and she instantly gave me tools. She told me how to get him a hospice consult and that he had rights. She communicated that I shouldn't help him, that it would be more meaningful if my Uncle made his own arrangements while he could still control his own destiny. Self-empowerment was very important to his well being she taught me. So, I called him back and told him he had rights. He instantly felt vindicated. He knew he had rights, he just didn't know how to exercise them. With Kathy's help, now he did. He next called for the hospice coordinator and arranged for a consult. The hospice coordinator arranged for him to go home with full aid.

With that consult and a full plan in place for homecare, he went home that night and ate Chinese food with his friends and family. He was beyond thrilled to be home. He died at home a few weeks later. He was ever grateful for my help. I felt that by talking to Kathy, I empowered myself with the knowledge that could help him. And, I gave him the last and final gift -- practically the only gift I could give him -- I granted him his one last wish to go home. And, for that, I am eternally grateful. "

Lori Sash-Gail,
Professional Photographer, NY

" Having known Kathy for over 30 years has been not only a personal blessing, but also a personal education, due to her professional experience. During my brother’s illness and eventual death in 2007, Kathy’s guidance and determination to educate my family helped us to feel more comfortable with the extremely difficult decisions we had to make when we were so emotionally involved. As a witness to Kathy’s life for such long time, I have admired her growth and her ability to channel her own personal grief from tragedy into positive endeavors that help others. I am continually amazed by her compassionate, caring spirit and dedication to give her best. "

Lynda Barrett,
Professional Landscaper, Dover, DE

" As my therapist, Kathy has changed my life. It’s that simple. I first came to Kathy when I lost my brother-in-law to Leukemia (at the age of 29). I became very anxious and started to have panic attacks. I didn’t know how to deal with his untimely death, nor with the grief of my husband. She opened my eyes and made me realize that everyone grieves differently and that there is no time line for how long you are “supposed” to feel sad, feel angry, feel isolated and alone. She also helped me see that you can survive a loss, no matter how big or small. You can make it.

Through my journey in life, I have never crossed paths with anyone like Kathy. She is honest and compassionate and very dedicated to her work/mission. She is a master at helping you fit all the pieces together…

I think the most important lesson I have learned during my time with Kathy is that you must be grateful everyday. If you are able to find gratitude, you will find inner peace and contentment. My life is much richer and fuller thanks to Kathy and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet such an extraordinary person. "

With eternal gratitude,
Debra S.
Freelance Producer, NYC

"…Kathy is a highly compassionate and dedicated professional who draws upon her extensive career experience, life experience, and innate wisdom, in her work with people affected by cancer. She has not only focused her skills and great energy to the field of psychosocial oncology but has gone far beyond existing practices to create change in the course of cancer care. "

Natalie Schnaitmann, LCSW.
Director of Operations, Biller Patient and Family Resource Center; City of Hope, CA.

"…I also was a witness as Kathy guided her own sister Peggy through each step of her experience with cancer. Kathy’s research skills, constantly growing knowledge base, and clinical skills are unsurpassed in my experience of over 20 years as a professional in the field. It is with these skills, knowledge, clinical ability, and passion that Kathy will guide the clients of PEG’S Group in navigating their journey with cancer. "

Linda Stertz
LCSW, Psychotherapist, Hospice SW, Bereavement Counselor, NYC

"Kathy Gurland's passion, commitment and understanding of psychosocial factors intertwined with her extensive medical knowledge are an assurance that PEG'S Group will be a comprehensive and supportive beacon for individuals affected by cancer as they define and determine their course of action."

Joan Petralia Greenberg, LCSW-R
Adjunct Professor, NYU School of Social Work

" As my Clinical Coordinator, Kathy taught me so much about hospice care. She was patient, sensitive and caring for her staff and most importantly for our patients. Her organizational skills were a joy when it came to running a hectic and demanding office, she was a great teacher for the new staff of nurses and social workers and listened with a kind and gentle ear. "

John Conway, LPN