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Occasionally the Matarazzos continue their relationships with patient families indefinitely. Graft-versus-host-disease, a serious post-transplant complication in which donor cells attack a patient's body, can in some cases cause extensive dental decay, sending patients back to Quincy for more work. Dr. Steve provides this dental care free as well, along with regular check- ups and cosmetic procedures he knows will help cancer survivors regain their smiles – and their lives. (A.L.L.) at Dana-Farber from 2006-2009. Diagnosed at age 19, Michael Matarazzo made a complete recovery and is now a skier conquering the most challenging mountains of Colorado. Through his unique – and ongoing – gestures of appreciation, Michael's father is doing his part to help others on the road to recovery. "Some of our neediest patients have not seen a dentist for years, and may not have the money for one because they have been sick and out of work," says clinical coordinator Gail Delaney. "When I spoke to Dr. Matarazzo for the first time with such a case, and learned his whole story, I was almost in tears. This man just has so much gratitude for his son's health that he wants to keep giving back." Patients sent to the Quincy Smile Center for pre-transplant work are welcomed as kindred spirits. Before any dental work is done, "Dr. Steve" (as everyone calls him) and his treatment coordinator Joanne – also his wife of 34 years – meet with each individual and his or her family to hear their cancer experiences and share their own. These sessions often get emotional. "Pre-transplant dental work causes a lot of anxiety for any patient, and we understand their fear and pain, because we've been through it," says Matarazzo. "If a patient's family also has to worry about how they are going to pay for this important work, it can be devastating." 10 Adam Pugh Dana Farber patient Jeremy with Dr. Stephen Matarazzo DMD Joanne Matarazzo, Dr. Stephen Matarazzo DMD with team Dawn Wilkens RDH & Krista Doldt CDA