Island.

What could have been a nightmare holiday for a Massachusetts family, has left nothing but warm feelings in the hearts of Mrs. Nancy DiBona, her husband Frank and two children.

Hotel and hospital staff came to the aid of the family when Mr. DiBona -- who suffers from bone cancer -- fell ill.

Mrs. DiBona wrote to The Royal Gazette this week to express her gratitude to all those local residents who saved the day for her and her husband.

She wrote: "While I was in Bermuda there was an article in your paper about a couple who had been robbed and vowed they would never return to the Island.

"I am sure it was terrible experience but my crisis in Bermuda was just the opposite. We could not believe the kindness and compassion of everyone, especially Mr. Scott Simmons and the Princess Hotel staff.'' She also praised the staff of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the quality of care her husband received.

Mr. DiBona unexpectedly took a turn for the worse on a recent trip to Bermuda.

He had been allowed to travel by his doctor, but on the second day of his holiday became seriously ill and was unable to even get out of bed in his room at the Princess Hotel.

His doctor sent stronger medicine but it did not help.

Their son back in the United States called the night manager at the Princess who promptly arranged for an ambulance to take Mr. DiBono to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

He then went to assist the distraught family.

"I cannot describe my terror and fears of being so far from home and having my husband experience such a bad turn in his condition,'' she wrote.

"I got relief for the first time in 24 hours when the night manager Mr. Scott Simmons came to our room to help us. He took right over. He arranged for the ambulance, and stayed with me while my husband, who was suffering at this point, was positioned in the ambulance.

"Mr. Simmons assured me he would handle matters at the hotel and for me to only worry about my husband's health.'' She was joined by her daughter the next day and the Princess and its staff assisted further by letting them stay at the hotel for as long as necessary and offered transport to and from the hospital "plus endless kind words''.

"Back in the States, people cannot believe how wonderfully we were treated. I was overwhelmed. It truly made a bad situation bearable. I have nothing but fantastic memories of Bermuda. I, unlike the other couple, look forward to returning to the Island. You people renewed my faith in mankind.

"Frank has since stabilised and is doing as well as can be expected....he felt terrible that he got sick on holiday but got relief in knowing his family was being taken care of.

"Thank you. Bermuda pride is alive and well. I truly look forward to returning to your beautiful Island.''