The sky is no longer the limit for Donyelle Carmody. Nine months after having gastric bypass surgery at South Shore Health, the Rockland resident checked a lofty goal off her bucket list: skydiving. Before the surgery, this high-flying adventure and other life experiences, wouldn’t have been possible.

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to raise awareness about this specialized care and to recognize the dedicated caregivers and professionals committed to providing comfort and support to patients with serious, chronic and/or life-limiting illnesses.

Also known as alpha-gal allergy or red meat allergy, alpha-gal syndrome is on the rise in Massachusetts, particularly on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard, where lone star ticks have expanded and become established.