# data[].attributes.body
Susan is an inspiration. She's accomplished so much and has been so open with sharing her gifts. Her warmth was apparent from the moment she came to my office. Once, she had met me for coffee and shared how powerful improv was at improving the patient - doctor relationship, a lesson that resonated in my practice. I will always be grateful for having met this wonderful woman. -noah

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
All decked out together supporting her favorite non profit organization - either at an All Stars or Castillo Theatre gala benefit. Jill Battalen

# data[].attributes.headline
Susan and I met just a few years ago    on a walk on the beach in Montauk with our dogs.  I felt an immediate connection to Susan, her warm friendly demeanor, her kind smile, her soft voice.  We shared some fun conversations, especially sharing our love of the arts.  She was indeed a very special woman.   I will miss her.

# data[].attributes.subject
Susan and I met just a few years ago    on a walk on the beach in Montauk with our dogs.  I felt an immediate connection to Susan, her warm friendly demeanor, her kind smile, her soft voice.  We shared some fun conversations, especially sharing our love of the arts.  She was indeed a very special woman.   I will miss her.

# data[].attributes.body
Connie Cortese

# data[].attributes.body
I met Susan a few years back as she attended a multiple myeloma meeting with  her friend a fellow patient.  I did a presentation on the history of disparities in health care. I was so honored when she followed up to meet with her friend Doug to see if I'd take part in a presentation at the East side Institute, and though the pandemic stalled in person, Susan made it happen virtually. What a kind person, and her commitment quite genuine, which is something you don't see often. I'm so happy that I met her for the short time, but considered her a new friend. She will be missed yet her mark and deep-rooted work will continue on. Time to rest Susan. Your mark left is immeasurable but we will continue the mission.
Yolanda

# data[].attributes.body
Biking and eating our way through VT. Dear friends!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
leader, inspirer, path-breaker, caring, amazing cook, adventurous, curious. deeply loved!

# data[].attributes.headline
Memories of Susan and Long Island Hospital

# data[].attributes.subject
Memories of Susan and Long Island Hospital

# data[].attributes.body
One of my earliest experiences with the community was in November of 2000 when I first met Susan. She, along with Maureen and David, were doing improv with the residents at Long Island Hospital in Brooklyn to help them build their relationships with their patients. It seemed to me to require tremendous courage, fortitude and skill to touch these newly minted knower doctors. But always smiling and yes anding, Susan seemed to win them over. I learned from her very early on that social therapeutics took many forms and could be adapted to many environments. She certainly went on to perform this magic in so many creative and inspiring settings as so many people have mentioned in their reflections of Susan. I will miss her. And yes, she will always be with us. Joan Ingalls

# data[].attributes.headline
What a privilege to have known you, Susan! We chose you as our physician and were blessed to call you a friend. We honor your memory with these words by George Bernard Shaw -  I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch, which I've got held up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

# data[].attributes.subject
What a privilege to have known you, Susan! We chose you as our physician and were blessed to call you a friend. We honor your memory with these words by George Bernard Shaw -  I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch, which I've got held up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

# data[].attributes.body
Susan—you gave all you had to give to poor people, people of color, people with AIDS, people with dementia and all of us. There is much to learn and love from a beautiful life well lived/well given. We continue on. Giving, growing, creating, and becoming.
Sue Davies

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Susan,

I wanted to reach out to send my love and tell you that even if we only met a few times, your honesty, kindness and willingness to always create and compose your life the way you want impacted me tremendously. The time I was observing in your group helped me to go through winter.

I heard from many people who love you. Your activism, your courage and the love you created with so many helps us go through the moment, even for those who did not know you that well.

Hugs and love,

Aurelie

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you, Susan, for giving to and creating so much with us all. I first learned of you and your work/play/activism shortly after I met the ESI in 2004. At that time I was so inspired by your activity of offering improv activities to medical/health care professionals and remained inspired as I learned of so many other powerful activities to collectively create and support our health and wellbeing.   Much love and gratitude to you.  Tony Perone

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you, Susan, for giving to and creating so much with us all. I first learned of you and your work/play/activism shortly after I met the ESI in 2004. At that time I was so inspired by your activity of offering improv activities to medical/health care professionals and remained inspired as I learned of so many other powerful activities to collectively create and support our health and wellbeing.   Much love and gratitude to you.  Tony Perone

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Susan, I didn't know you well but I know how fully you lived life. Thanks for sharing your joy and always sharing your sense of humour along with your professionalism. I hope you are enjoying your new space - see you on the other side... Love, Jenn

# data[].attributes.body
We miss you

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you dear Susan for meeting a stranger in a cafe, for generously giving her your time, your wisdom and your warmth. I will never forget that time we had together and our ongoing connection across the oceans, the time zones! Arohanui e hoa!

# data[].attributes.body
Mother, daughter, comrade love

# data[].attributes.headline
I greatly appreciated my warm and playful interactions with Susan and fondly remember co-presenting with her at one of the PTW events out in Montauk. It was like two eddies meeting in a larger ripple, floating down a nice big river. Tom Strong

# data[].attributes.subject
I greatly appreciated my warm and playful interactions with Susan and fondly remember co-presenting with her at one of the PTW events out in Montauk. It was like two eddies meeting in a larger ripple, floating down a nice big river. Tom Strong

# data[].attributes.body
Giving Loving Life Partners

# data[].attributes.body
dear friends, colleagues

# data[].attributes.body
Always dapper!!

# data[].attributes.body
Celebrating Susan❣️

# data[].attributes.body
We love you❣️

# data[].attributes.body
I am a long time Diabetic and woman living with HIV. Early in my experience inside medicine, I crafted the story of myself as a person with a “Mercedes Benz Body”. I was also disheartened by the performance of illness among many chronically ill people I encountered inside the medical system. Learning of Susan’s work in performing inside of illness and health, I felt I’d found a kindred spirit. She inspired me. I felt understood.

# data[].attributes.headline
Collaborating to help those individuals living with dementia

# data[].attributes.subject
Collaborating to help those individuals living with dementia

# data[].attributes.body
I was honored to partner with Dr. Susan Massad on a couple of panels. Her creativity and her energy were always so electric. You have touched so many of us.

# data[].attributes.body
I was saddened to learn of Susan's passing. What a powerhouse! Though I was only in NYC for a short time, Susan was always welcoming and kind. I know she will be deeply missed by the amazing community she helped develop. My heart goes out to Kate, her daughters, and her many, many friends who love her deeply and whom she loved.

Grace Ashby

# data[].attributes.body
I attended a training at the Eastside Institute in October, 2019.  There was a get-together one night at someone's apartment.  It was Susan I connected with.  We talked, had some laughs, shared some of what we were doing and cared about.  Her warmth, wisdom and energy were beacons.

Al Galves

# data[].attributes.body
Beloved comrades
Love always,
June

# data[].attributes.headline
Some responses from her dementia friends and colleagues

# data[].attributes.subject
Some responses from her dementia friends and colleagues

# data[].attributes.body
I heard the very sad news about Susan. I don't know really if enough has been said about what it is to radiate the kind of warmth that even over zoom can touch someone and immediately foster a sense of connection but I am very grateful for it. Sending my love to you and to Susan's loved ones, and of course Susan.

I am so so sorry to hear this. Susan was such a source of light and positivity. I am thinking of you and hope that we can find a way to honour Susan’s legacy within the Reimaging Dementia Coalition.

My memory of the two of you meeting with Jenn and me is a real career and personal highlight - your evident friendship, two richly accomplished leaders generously folding us in, sharing and teaching.   And, Susan grinning and giggling when we told her we were fangirling!

Dear Susan – Heaven awaits you, or wherever it is you choose to rest.

Dear Beloved Health Team – You were/are steadfast in your love and caring, having compassion for your dear friend and family member as she continues her journey.

Being together, sharing, grieving, and continued sharing, in honor of Susan’s life.

I was thinking last night how remarkably strong a woman that Susan was to have held onto this precious and amazing thing we call life; I know how much she relished it, and how much she loved sharing it with you, too. I kept up with postings of her continued accomplishments, including her final "Medicine Across Borders" just days ago, marveling at the courage
and humanity she embodied. That she took the time to befriend me, beyond the professional work we shared, gave me strength when I was lost and alone; I will dearly miss the gift of her kinship. My sympathies to you and her loved ones, as you navigate the journey without her, but with each other.

Hearing this news has made me realise how even at her end stage she could make sensible decisions on good care. May her dear Soul Rest in peace . A great loss to us , you and people of this world .

Oh Mary. Thank you for letting me know. My heart is with you all right now, and I am thinking so fondly of Susan, and her beautiful face that lit up any space with her clear spirit. Much love from across the sea

# data[].attributes.headline
A beach and maps - two of her favorites!

# data[].attributes.subject
A beach and maps - two of her favorites!

# data[].attributes.body
Like you I
love love, life, the sweet smell
of things, the sky-blue
landscape of January days.
And my blood boils up
and I laugh through eyes
that have known the buds of tears.
I believe the world is beautiful
and that poetry, like bread, is for everyone.
And that my veins don’t end in me
but in the unanimous blood
of those who struggle for life,
love,
little things,
landscape and bread,
the poetry of everyone.

Like You by Roque Dalton