TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2001
(Page 2 of 4)
 

SPECIAL PEOPLE

Susan's mother was in town yesterday (her "grandmother name" is Mammaw), and went with us to Children's Medical Center for our appointment with Dr. Winick. Having Mammaw there helped Ashley's spirits tremendously.

When we first arrived at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (a.k.a. "The Clinic", located on the 6th floor at Children's), we saw Lea and her Mom. Lea is a beautiful little girl who recently turned 10, and has been battling cancer since she was 4 years old. She lost part of a leg to cancer, and almost died recently, but she just keeps fighting. She and her family are a real inspiration to a lot of people, including us. It was good to see them and visit with them briefly.

While Susan and Ashley visited with Lea and her Mom, I went on to the front desk and signed Ashley in for our appointment with Dr. Winick. When I looked up, Dr. Winick was coming out of the clinic office, and we greeted each other in the hallway with a hug. It had been quite some time since we had seen her last, and although we both would have preferred to meet again under different circumstances, it was really good to see her. She is a wonderful person, a compassionate care-giver, and an incredibly accomplished pediatric oncologist. Just seeing her gave me a sense of reassurance and peace, because I knew that Ashley would be in the best hands possible.

Dr. Winick and Ashley

Another special doctor / special friend we saw yesterday is Bob Bash (a.k.a. "Dr. Bob"). Dr. Bob is a big guy, kind of like me only not nearly as good-looking! He is extremely funny, is a hoot to be around, is a great doctor, and is a very caring and loving person. (Please don't tell him I am saying all these nice things about him; it might go to his head!) Dr. Bob is the kind of guy who makes you laugh. He nick-named Susan "Godzilla Mama" when Ashley was in the hospital so much during her first battle with cancer, because Susan had a reputation for "eating interns for breakfast". We still get a big laugh out of that every time we see Dr. Bob.

Dr. Bob and Ashley


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