Second Opinions
I have vivid childhood memories of being carted from doctor to doctor in order to get a second (and third) opinion. When a child, or anyone for that matter, is diagnosed with something serious, it is only natural to hope the diagnosis could be wrong. After you get past that feeling, reality sinks in, and you come to realize that life is going to change, getting another opinion is not only important but at times necessary. Different doctors sometimes see different things and have other ways to tackle the problem...
Read MoreFinding the Right Medical Personnel
It is one thing to like your doctor, but it has to be a complete fit. The entire medical staff is truly just as important as the individual doctor. We all want to trust and like the people we go to for anything from a bump or bruise to major surgery and treatments. Recommendations from friends and other healthcare providers are the main way to find new doctors. You want to have a good feeling about the office and staff from the moment you walk through the door. You can read about them in advance to find out...
Read MoreIt’s Not What You Do – It’s Why You Do It
Visting the Ronald McDonald Houses, going to Gildas Club to deliver books, meeting families - why do I do it? It is not just about raising money for charity. Although when I send my checks to CHOP to help make hospital stays more comfortable for the familes, it does give me great pride and pleasure to do so. The other side of what I do – visiting families, listening, smiling with them, cooking them dinner, and helping to serve them keeps me grounded. It reminds me I am only, or shall I say we are only, one...
Read MoreImportance of Volunteering
Sometimes people ask me why I do so much to give back. I have repeatedly heard, “haven’t you been through enough in your life to make up for all that extra giving”. Although at times I am taken aback by some of those comments, I do not get upset or angry but I do share with them my personal feelings. For me, giving back fulfills an emotion towards people and allows me to truly understand that I was not, and still am not, the only person who had problems with my health, especially as a child....
Read MoreJuggling Expectations
Just wanted to recap and follow up the holidays again to reinforce the idea of setting up what works for you and managing the expectations that this season brings. Sometimes it may feel like you are left juggling what should be vs. what needs to be. Dealing with an extremely sick child or family member with surgeries, treatments, and such is so very challenging by itself, just adding a stressful holiday like Hanukkah and Christmas into the mix can add more family stress and unreasonable expectations. Things can be...
Read MoreHanukkah Reflection
Since we are moving forward through December and all of my favorite holidays, keeping it together during those times is a bit challenging. For me instead of dwelling on my recent issues I feel like a reflection on the past is in order. Try to stay focused during the holidays, even though you are dealing with someone who may be seriously ill. I am reflecting on a time when I was about 17 years old and spent all of the holidays hospitalized for surgery and recovery. Although it was a bit strange for me and...
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