Remembering Dr. Cabby: “It’s going to get better.”

he front entrance of the Perry Hospital on Thursday, January 28 to honor Dr. Horatio V. Cabasares. As a pillar of the community, family, friends, coworkers and impacted loved ones wanted to join together in remembrance of the legacy Dr. Cabasares, fondly referred to as Dr. Cabby, left in the wake of his passing late last year. Reminding those in attendance, several speakers stressed his favorite response, “It’s going to get better.”

Cabasares came to Perry, Ga. in 1981 with his family after recognizing the lack of a surgeon in the area. He served the community with his selfless and gracious heart for 40 years. He played many roles in the community and much can be attributed to his involvement. Cabasares was instrumental with many changes during his time in the city and reflected his servant nature by his participation with the Perry Rotary Club, the Houston Healthcare Board, St. Patrick Catholic Church and countless mission trips to other places in need. On December 16, 2020 at the age of 73, Dr. Horatio V. Cabasares passed away due to complications after contracting COVID-19.

The air surrounding Dr. Cabasares’ vigil was that of intense love and respect. Several speakers led the memorial by sharing their own experiences and the impact of the well-loved general surgeon including Perry’s Hospital Administrator Todd Edenfield, Father Eric. R. Filmer and Deacon James Roberge of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Perry Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Appavuchetty Soundappan, Director of Surgical Services Nichole McGlamry and Chief Executive Officer Charles Briscoe.

Roberge described Cabasaras as an unforgettable light to those who were fortunate enough to meet him, saying, “Here was this man, not large in stature, but larger than life with a smile that would light up the darkest corner, a sense of humor that would fill the room with laughter, and a heart of gold… He was meek and humble of heart with the soul of a healer.” Understanding the impact he felt personally by knowing Cabasares, he declared, “He made all of us better.”

McGlamry testified, “I can tell you that just by standing at this position up here and looking at this crowd, I think it’s a true testament to the man we’re here honoring and to his family.” She shared story after story of many of the staff that worked alongside Cabasares during his time at Perry Hospital, further detailing his heart and generosity for the people that he served and served with. “These are just the tip of the iceberg of all the memories this community has of Dr. Cabasares,” recounted McGlamry. “He was so important to his staff at this hospital and to this community. He will be missed, obviously never forgotten, and in this crazy world that we’re living in right now, there’s one thing that Dr. Cabasares would tell us. ‘It’s going to get better.’”

Briscoe took the floor and reminded everyone, “This facility we stand in front of today is a testament to his dedication to this community and the many patient lives he touched.” He went on to recall the impact that Cabasares left on those involved in his work in the community. “Dr. Cabby was and will always be a great friend, colleague, and mentor for many. There are many great men and women, both current and past, whose hard work and dedication have helped Perry to what it is. Those same men and women have given us the bright future that lies ahead for our community. It’s that collective effort of those individuals that gives us the strength to face our challenges and press forward. Within that context, when we focus on healthcare in our community, I can confidently say that Perry Hospital and Houston Healthcare will always be lifted up and inspired by the legacy of Dr. Horatio B. Cabasares.”

As Briscoe pointed out, many have been inspired by Cabasares’ servanthood. Dr. Soundappan revealed that the medical staff has been in the works to help the community through the Perry Rotary Club. “As a token from the medical staff,” Soundappan informed, “we are trying to donate to the rotary staff in memory of his name to continue the mission through the rotary. Also, we tried to establish a scholarship in his name, which we are still figuring out the details of. As he always said, ‘It’s going to get better.’ We need to always remember that and go from there.”

Touched by the uplifting words of the speakers of the memorial, Hubert “Bert” Cabasares, son of Dr. Horatio and Lorna Cabasares, took to the mic to thank those who came to honor his father’s memory. “I know that if he was here, he would say the same thing that I’m thinking. There’s no better feeling than to know that you have the full support of a lot of people. And you are all here. Thank you for the kind words. On behalf of my family, especially my mom, thank y’all so much for showing up this evening. I’m sure that he’s smiling down on us and is thinking the same thing. Thank you everyone.”

After the heartfelt words expressed by those honored to speak on behalf of Dr. Cabasares, Todd Edenfield, Perry Hospital Administrator, closed the vigil by urging those in attendance to practice safe hygiene and advised COVID procedures. “Please be safe, wear your mask, social distance and wash your hands.”

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