You know that question that people ask when you’re bored, ‘if you were to win the lottery tomorrow, what would you spend your money on’? I asked that to my grandpa one day (when he was around) and he gave me an answer that has stuck with me ever since. Further to that, not only did I love and appreciate his answer, I have adopted it myself for when I get asked variations of the above question.
‘I would donate at least half,’ he said.
‘What would you donate the money towards?’ I asked.
‘Medical school tuition fees. Every single person in this world will need a doctor at one point or another, and, if you’re one of those people with the courage and determination to become a doctor, you should never be turned away for fear of paying for your education. Making more doctors benefits everyone.”
I remember being so dumbfounded and impressed when he said that to me. It made so much sense. Doctor’s benefit everyone. Whether they’re practitioners or researches, doctors push our planet forward and they help keep us healthy and safe, which is something my family has needed quite a bit of lately.
Late last year my mom was hit with a lot of exhaustion. She kept catching cold’s and it seemed like when she was getting sick, she couldn’t shake it. Ultimately, she and my dad made the decision that she was going to retire. She wanted to spend more time with my dad, and, felt as though if she wasn’t working so hard she might not be so exhausted all of the time.
She retired on November 30th.
On December 14th she went into the hospital emergency. I won’t explain why, as it’s very much TMI for this story. But, she needed to go to the hospital. Within 48 hours she had exploratory surgery.
On December 19 she was given the results of her exploratory surgery. She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. It had been caught exceptionally early. The doctors were praising her for advocating so strongly for herself that something was wrong.
She was scheduled for a hysterectomy on January 8th. The surgery went well. She spent four days in the hospital following the surgery to recover and she was sent home to continue her recovery. Part of the treatment plan for my mom was that she complete five weeks of radiation therapy treatments as a precautionary treatment.
Throughout this entire process, it has been doctor’s who’ve gone above and beyond to make sure that my mom is okay. As she broke down in tears in the doctors office when she was given her diagnosis, it was her doctor who promised her a treatment plan that would allow her to recover and enjoy her retirement with her husband. When she went into surgery, it was doctors who instilled in her the warrior mentality that she was going to get through this, all she had to do was fight.
There’s been an incredible team of doctors and nurses (I can’t forget about the nurses because they’ve been incredible too) looking after my mom every step of the way and for that, I am so thankful.
Honestly, I believed in the value of doctors long before this ever happened. But now, more so than ever before, I believe that an investment in doctors and future doctors is something that benefits us all. Even if you don’t get sick, even if you think you have no use for them – you love someone in this world and they will need a doctor.
If I ever win the lottery, I am donating half of it to tuition for medical school students.
The world benefits when we have more doctors and when we have more informed doctors.
Also, #FUCKCANCER. My mom is a warrior.
Great idea. I think I will do something similar when I win something. Great to hear that your mom was well treated in hospital. These days that’s not always the case.
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My father passed away from cancer 9 years ago, I’m sorry your family was touched by it! #fuckcancer
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I’m so sorry that you lost your dad to cancer. It’s such a horrible disease. ❤
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I’m glad to see your mom caught it. I have some friends who trusted the doctors when they said “you’re probably fine” and they are paying for it. Give her a fist bump from me. Stay average!
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I will stay average, thank you. ❤ haha! Thank you for your words.
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I’m so happy your mom caught it early and doctor’s were able to treat her quickly! We all need to advocated for ourselves and doctor’s are there to help and treat.
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Thank You! I most definitely agree. If you know something’s wrong, don’t be afraid to speak up. You know your body best, right? People need to trust their instincts. ❤
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So happy to hear your mom warrior kicked cancers ass. I lost my grandma when I was in 5th grade to breast and bone cancer.
The idea of donating money to aid in medical education is brilliant and now probably something i will think about i ever win the lottery. Gotta play it first though!
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I’m sorry about the loss of your grandma. Cancer really does affect everyone in some way. It’s terrible! As for the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play!
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I better get to playing then!
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I like this idea of thinking if what to do with money if you won; to pay doctors education.
I hope everything continues to be well for your mum and your family.
I have a friend who has ovarian cancer. It was a bad diagnosis, but after over half way with treatment, so far so good. So I hope it continues so cancer can piss off. I feel strongly enough to use the f word when it comes to cancer. But shall leave off that word. X
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You’re a sweet soul. Sending love and positive vibes your friend’s direction. I’m sure she needs as much of it as she can get right now. ❤
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Thank you. Yes, it’s been a scary time for her. It’s not over yet and she feels her life is a bit on standstill because she can’t plan ahead, with her life revolving around treatment.
My friend will have a hysterectomy at some point, but for now, that is on hold until later. They like her to continue her chemotherapy and see the tumours in other parts of her body to shrink first, because the hysterectomy will take her some time to recover from.
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Great story!
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, so called the king of cancer. I had surgeries to remove tumours and it was successful. I am now fully recovered thanks to the best efforts by my doctor, nurses and other staffs at the hospital.
I am so deeply sympathetic to your idea.
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Oh, Andy you are a warrior. I bet you’re someone who advocates for your friends/family to get tested, eh? It’s so important. Thank you for sharing ❤
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Thank you for your reply.
I hope human beings extirpate cancers in the near future.
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What a lovely idea. Glad your mum caught it early and received treatment, I hope she continues recovering and is given the all clear soon xx
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Thank You ❤
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She sure is.
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This is a wonderful post! Doctors are incredible and they need more recognition and less of the shit people throws on them.
My dad was diagnosed with cancer in October and sadly passed away this February. It was a rare and aggressive type that could not be cured. But the doctors and nurses gave it their all. Treatments, phone-calls, support for us as cancer caretakers and always made sure my dad was comfortable to the end.
Doctors and nurses are heroes, and I would also donate half my lottery winnings towards future heroes.
All my love and support to your mom, you, your family and friends! Together you are strong❤️
#FUCKCANCER
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I have so much love for you and I’m so sorry for what you went through. I’m so sorry for your loss of your dad. Fuck cancer! Seriously
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Thank you love❤️ I’m keeping you and your mom in my heart, and may she kick the cancers f-ing ass!❤️❤️❤️
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