"A mom, a wife, a surgeon, an anatomist, an educator. An artist, a runner, and a dreamer."
This is the sentence I prefer to introduce myself with—a reflection of the countless roles I navigate every day. It's a testament to the beautiful chaos of a life lived fully, where each title adds a layer to my identity. I am a surgeon driven by a deep sense of purpose, a mother guided by boundless love, an educator powered with the beauty of teaching others and an artist fueled by a passion for creating. I've always believed that life is about more than a single path; it's about the various threads we weave from our passions, responsibilities, and dreams. I know I exist to connect with others who, like me, are striving to make a difference—one patient, one student, one dream at a time.
Hope isn't just a feeling; it's a powerful, infectious force. It's a delightful contagion that spreads faster than any rumor. You see it in the eyes of people who are stubbornly clinging to the best things and driving the best practices. You see it when individuals naturally begin collaborating and helping each other out, their optimism creates a shared energy. Even a small sight can trigger this infection: seeing a brilliant rainbow arch across the sky, or just the simple beauty of a genuine smile. When you catch that happiness, you get the "hope flu" too.
You're not in this journey alone. Look at the life and hope you hold within your hands. There are some people—especially the ones close to you—who draw their sense of survivorship and strength from your existence. They need you to fight and to live the life you should be living, not only for yourself but also for their future. Embrace this fight for them, for yourself, and for a better life—a life where you get to see them grow and prosper. Your strength inspires more than you think.
There is nothing more powerful than knowing you shouldn’t be alone in this journey. You don’t have to feel alone, and you aren't.
If you look around, you will find others fighting with you and dreaming with you. Sometimes we fail, and sometimes we get back up because those around us—experiencing the same things we are—show us the way. We rise when we give people the space to help us move forward.
In the hospital, you’ll find nurses, doctors, social workers, navigators, security, and receptionists—everyone is there just for you. Most importantly, you’ll find other patients who are living or have lived your experience. Give them the chance to help you; when the time comes, you will find yourself helping and healing someone else going through the same thing.
We are stronger together.
"Cancer." It’s a heavy word, one that has the power to turn a person’s world completely upside down the moment it’s mentioned.
But here is the beautiful thing we’ve learned: when the world turns upside down, we don't have to fall. We learn how to stand straight, together.
Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, a doctor, or a nurse, our lives have become part of one shared journey. This world isn't just made of medicine and appointments; it’s built by the psychologists who hold space for the mind, the support workers who provide a shoulder to lean on, and the navigators who guide the way through the unknown. It is fueled by the storytellers, photographers, and creators who capture the bravery in a smile, and the hearts who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our message of hope reaches every corner of the community.