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last year, i wrote about a family friend who found out he had leukemia. he's been fighting the disease, overcoming one obstacle at a time for an entire year! it's incredible to think about how one's life changes when such a thing becomes the center of attention. everything you do, think about, talk about revolves around the disease. and how do you come to terms with the fact that you're 30, recently married, finally a full-fledged doctor after years of training, and you might not make it past the next couple of years. both he and his family have done an awesome job maintaining a support system for each other and even reached out to people to spread awareness about the disease and what people can do to help. it's this circle of family and friends that fuels the energy for this long drawn out battle.

things have taken a turn for the worse, and my thoughts go out to him and his family. unfortunately, i haven't done much besides sending a card or two in support, and all this makes orthopedics seem a bit trivial. i know that they'll find it within themselves the strength to continue fighting, and i hope he pulls through in the end.

if you're interested in their story, here is their blog.