There’s an individual on Nantucket Island who has been a vibrant part of our island community for more than four decades. A physician who loves taking care of people and is known for his expertise, his outdoor hobbies, and his quirky sense of humor. And now Dr. Timothy Lepore has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Award. This accolade, given by the Dreamland Foundation, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and selflessness in making Nantucket a better place through their unwavering commitment to the community. Dr. Lepore will be honored at the Dreamland Foundation’s annual DreamBIG fundraiser on July 23, 2023.
Selected by a panel of judges comprised of Dreamland’s board of directors and prominent community leaders, Dr. Lepore exemplifies the compassion and service fostered by Fred Rogers throughout his life. With his unparalleled contributions and tireless efforts, Dr. Lepore has left an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals in Nantucket.
Among the numerous testimonials submitted in support of Dr. Lepore’s nomination, his availability to those struggling with addiction issues stood out. One nominator wrote, “Dr. Lepore provides his phone number through various mediums and is available 24/7 to anyone suffering from addiction problems. This level of dedication is unheard of and truly remarkable.” Dr. Lepore established Addiction Solutions of Nantucket, Inc., offering Medicine Assisted Treatments (MATs) to individuals battling opioid, drug, and alcohol addiction, further exemplifying his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community.
In addition to his exceptional work in addiction treatment, Dr. Lepore’s impact extends far beyond the medical realm. He has been the high school and football team doctor for more than three decades, providing his services to the school without charge. Serving on the school committee for more than 25 years, Dr. Lepore now presides over the committee, utilizing his knowledge, passion, and expertise to advocate for students’ welfare. His commitment to the community is further highlighted by his and his wife’s open heartedness in providing a safe haven for troubled teenagers.
Dr. Lepore’s compassion and dedication are not limited to his professional responsibilities. He has earned the respect and admiration of the community and the world as a leading expert in Lyme and tick-borne illnesses. During deer hunting seasons, he can be seen examining ticks on deer at various gatherings, further demonstrating his commitment to public health and well-being. Additionally, Dr. Lepore’s commitment to personalized care is illustrated by his willingness to make house calls, treating patients who cannot afford medical services, and extending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Regarding Dr. Lepore’s selection, Alicia L. Carney, Executive Director of the Dreamland Foundation stated, “Dr. Lepore’s exceptional qualities of compassion, community service, and selflessness truly embody the spirit of the Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Award. His dedication and personal touch have impacted the lives of countless individuals on Nantucket Island. He is truly a ‘good neighbor.’ We are honored to recognize him and celebrate his outstanding contributions. Sixtyseven caring citizens submitted nominations for thirty-four individuals this year, and we are humbled by the support for this year’s award.”
At the Dreamland Foundation’s DreamBIG fundraiser on July 23, Dr. Lepore will be honored with heartfelt recognition of all he has done for our island. At press time, tickets were still available at NantucketDreamland.org. Funds raised by DreamBIG support the Dreamland’s mission of building community on Nantucket year-round through shared experiences in film, the arts, culture, learning.