NGF Mentor: Rosalie Borovetz

Rosalie Borovetz
Pennsylvania
Parent of adult with Gaucher
Email: rosieb50@aol.com

My daughter, Betsy was diagnosed with Gaucher Disease in 1982, at the age of three. At that time, there was no treatment available, and we were told to take her home and treat her like a “normal kid”. This was not such easy advice to follow! I also have a son, who is almost 2 years older than Betsy and is also a carrier.

I attended The Pennsylvania State University, and earned a B. A. in Social Welfare in 1969. While at Penn State, I met my husband, who is an accountant. He has always been my anchor and we have shared the challenge of living with chronic disease and providing a supportive home for our family.

In 1984, I began graduate school at Temple University, and earned my Master’s in Social Work two years later. I have been working full time ever since, and have almost 24 years of experience in both medical settings and geriatric social work. For the past four years, I have been working at Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia as a social worker in the case management department. It has given me a totally different perspective of managed care, and an understanding of how to navigate through the health care system.

When Betsy was diagnosed, we had never heard of Gaucher Disease. I recall feeling very isolated, alone, angry and scared. I started writing to Rubin Bakin, who sent long, single spaced, typed letters that were supportive and helpful. Rubin died about six months after we started corresponding. He was truly a lifesaver for me. I hope that as a mentor, I can begin to repay a long overdue debt of caring and concern for others as they cope with Gaucher Disease.