My family came from modest beginnings. A child from immigrant parents without a silver spoon and no guarantee to a successful life, hard work, family, and a community support system helped my sister and I achieve our goals. My parents taught me that I always have a choice and that the choices we make define us, give us the qualities other see in us. As a Pulmonary and Critical Care doctor, I consider myself fortunate. I have been placed in a position to help despite feeling defeated at times amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. Although I have my shortcomings, I feel the world needs more humility and the want to help others without the thought of self-benefit.

When I was approached by my colleague to help support childhood cancer, I said yes with a flood of thoughts rushing in my head. I thought of my sister and brother in law, who are pediatricians helping children every day. I thought of my wife, who spends the extra time after her shift as an ICU nurse to comfort a family member. I thought of the faces of healthcare workers I have worked with, past and present, who consider their job an honor and not just a paycheck. I thought of my 1-year old daughter, her smile, her pout, and the way I rush to comfort her when she falls. 

Children who have cancer were not given a choice. Children who have cancer have parents whose heart twists inside but they put on a smile for their child, wholeheartedly rushing to their aid. Children who have cancer should know there are people who innately care in this world and support them. For an innocent child to be so brave and to undergo so much, is a testament to the ideals and resiliency of humanity. We, as a community, should do whatever we can to support this cause and learn from this. There is good in this world and these children deserve to know that.

For the past 25 years, Barbara's Friends has helped over 8,000 local SWFL kids with cancer and blood disorders from infancy to age 30. Since March 1, when COVID-19 began, more than 25 local children have been told they have cancer. Last year 49 children were diagnosed. The numbers are up. More families need your help. Please support our Shavees' by making a donation and share with your friends and family to make a difference in our community. Cancer doesn't care who, when or where. WE DO!

To learn more about the cause please visit BarbarasFriends.org