So long Rick Echemendia. You will be missed

For 15 years, HME News has been the "The Business Newspaper for the Home Medical Providers."  But I often think of us as a business/community newspaper. I say community because that's what it feels like whenever I'm at Medtrade or some other industry event, where people gather to do business and to catch up with old friends. In a relatively small industry like HME, especially one that always seems to be under siege, I think that sense of community and of pulling together is greater than in might be in a bigger industry. In the spirit of that community, here is an article that remembers Rick Echemendia, ATP, who passed away this spring. I did not know Rick, but after reading what his friends had to say about him, I wish I did.

Sincerely,

Mike Moran

On Thursday, April 29, 2010, Rick Echemendia, ATP, sadly and suddenly passed away. The rehab industry has lost a patient advocate of 30 years, the community of south Florida has lost a caring soul, and MSL Associates, Inc, has lost a dear team member.

In his lifetime, Rick was a passionate and charismatic presence. He had a heart larger than life and an incredible passion for helping others. He was tenacious, he was sincere, and he had a smile that lit up a room.

Rick started his career at Abby Medical 30 years ago where he met his wife Debbie. He pursued his passion of pediatric rehab as an RTS for quality providers in south Florida, before joining our team in early 2009.

The memorial service for Rick was a celebration of his life.  People from all over the community gathered together in Rick's honor. Family members, friends, school board members, therapists, providers and clients were among some of the attendees.

Rick's legacy lives on through his wife Debbie and two children, Josh and Rachael. Rick dedicated his life to his family. He took great pride in the successful young adults that his children had become.

Rick touched many lives and will be missed by all.

Jill Girard, Director of Sales
MSL Associates, Inc.

(MSL Associates, Inc. is a marketing, sales and logistics company that has been in business since 1998.)