When I tell people I am a PT at Roswell I often get a reaction of “oh wow!”, “what do you do with cancer patients?” or “it must be so rewarding”. In this setting, I can not always say that my patient got medically or physically better, like most PTs can tout. But I can talk about the relationships that I form with my patients and their families.

I am fortunate to be able to spend quality time with my patients. This is an aspect of my job that I cherish. Often times, I spend more time collectively with the patient throughout their hospitalization than any other individual provider. Every patient brings something unique to my life, thoughts, and practice as a PT. Some patients (and their family) make a bigger impression or create more of a bond, connection, or influence than others. That is where the reward comes in. I get to learn what drives them to push through some of the hardest moments of their lives. I can laugh with them. I can support them. And most importantly, I learn from them and carry them with me long after our interactions end.

My patients motivate me to be stronger, to be better, and to push myself [to do something simple, or seemingly impossible] when I don’t think I can. The days that I am sad about why life isn’t fair (for them or me) I remind myself that I have life and I try to bring that to them and restore any part of their story that I can.

Please support me as I ride for my patients and raise money in hope that one day cancer can be cured.