When cancer patients defeat the monster, they ring a bell signifying their victory.
Pediatric cancer is every parent's worst nightmare.
Yesterday I brought my son, Joe to his checkup. In fourth grade, he was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma. Less than 1% of children are stricken with this terrible disease. In a sense, he was one of the lucky ones.
I say that because this form of cancer is very treatable. For others we encountered on this journey, that is sadly not the case. This did not lessen the trauma our family endured.
Dina usually brings him. Seeing little bald kids hooked up to their chemo stations is a sight I know far too well. Selfishly, I try to avoid this if at all possible.
A little while back, we aware asked to do a video for Stony Brook's Children's Hospital. This was for the benefit of their major donors. I put on my jacket and tie and went to the studio.
When it came time for me to speak. I just couldn't do it. Too much bad stuff was burned into my soul. I felt embarrassed and weak. I was not ready to ring my bell.
The second worst day of my life was when we received the diagnosis.
The worst was when had to tell Joe and his twin brother Anthony it had returned. By the grace of God, the test turned out to be a false positive. That day will haunt me for the rest of my life.
Make-A-Wish documented our families journey here. A professional videographer named Adam Forgione did a masterful job. We were at first hesitant by this intrusion into our privacy. The idea was to raise awareness for the wonderful things Make-A-Wish does for kids.
Second, to the nurses, doctors, and social workers who literally perform daily miracles in pediatric cancer wards, Make-A-Wish is doing God's work. Everything else pales in comparison.
I certainly got their attention. Proving again, personal finance is more personal than finance.
I want our clients to ring their own bell. Conquering their fears and overcoming any obstacles that will prevent them from living life to the fullest.
We never know when life's train ride will come to an abrupt end.
I learned so much from my son Joe. We will never forget all of the people who supported us during this dark period.
We want to bring just a little of this to our clients. Failure is not an option for them, or us.
Joe has already passed his biggest test.
My one wish is that every child stricken with this horrible disease gets to ring their own bell.