Since the day of my diagnosis, I have faced my share of adversity and many ups and downs.� Along with my family and friends, one of the few constants however, has been my neurosurgeon and good friend, Dr. P.�...
Since the day of my diagnosis, I have faced my share of adversity and many ups and downs.� Along with my family and friends, one of the few constants however, has been my neurosurgeon and good friend, Dr. P.� �From the fateful day I met him in 2008, he always provided a sense of assurance and confidence that I desperately needed.� Earlier this week, when the news became public that he will be retiring after a remarkable 44-year career, I was filled with sadness and joy.
Over the past twelve years, he has evolved as �my doctor� to someone I am proud to call a friend.� I put my life in his hands (literally) five times.� And fortunately, each occasion was a success and I recovered as a stronger, more confident individual.� He instilled confidence in me and is the reason I am sitting here today.� I have never shared this with him, but going through this ordeal and seeing the true hero that he is inspired me and over time, I grew so passionate about the cause.� However, thanks to law school loans that I�ll be paying back forever, medical school was out of the question, but I wanted to do my part to help others through this, so I dove head first and began volunteering for the CTBTA, followed by serving as Board President and now as their Executive Director.
I have the distinct privilege of working with an amazing group of survivors, caregivers and those who are equally as passionate about this disease as I, who all share a common goal of finding the cure and supporting the brain tumor community.� So, although I am not a doctor, I am the next best thing, in that I am using my experiences in a meaningful way and being in touch with the medical professionals who are treating brain tumors and working collaboratively to advance treatment options and find the cure.� �I have had the chance to fund research projects, tour the labs and OR�s and listen to some remarkable presentations.
So, while I will miss him, I am assured that the worst is behind me and know that I have forever to go, all thanks to him.� His colleagues at Yale New Haven Hospital/Smilow Cancer Hospital have big shoes to fill and a void to fill in the hearts of many.
Dr. P., I wish you nothing but joy and happiness in this next chapter of your life.� I am eternally grateful for you and hope you realize the profound impact you made on my life.� On behalf of my family, I cannot thank you enough for saving my life and giving me the opportunity to pay it forward and now help others on this journey.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!
