Industry loses passionate leader

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - Karyn Estrella, the president and CEO of Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England, has died at 61. She spent more than 20 years advocating for the HME industry. AAHomecare President and CEO Tom Ryan told the attendees at the recent Washington Legislative Conference to channel Estrella in their congressional visits, calling her a “tiger.” “She leaves behind an amazing record of accomplishment, and a legacy of leadership and service to the HME community,” Ryan said in a statement. “I am fortunate to count myself among the many people in our industry who have had the opportunity to work directly with her and see the passion, professionalism and generosity of spirit she brought to her advocacy on behalf of HOMES and in support of her fellow HME leaders.” HOMES announced in April that Estrella would take a medical leave from the association after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.