Lisa Alexander, dad and sister Cheryl
The choice to give is a personal one. For many, it is what truly touches your heart. In my case, health challenges have plagued my family. My grandfather was one of 13 children. All but one died of cancer. This year my father was diagnosed with cancer, just years after my mother recovered from breast cancer. Dad has not eaten solid food for nearly four months now, following radiation on his face and neck. The sores in his mouth would make you cringe. When you see the struggles of people you love, followed by excellent care and compassion, it can’t help but touch your heart. This past weekend I sat with my dad as he sipped his 360th bowl of blended down soup. I had intense guilt over the turkey and dressing I had enjoyed just days before. He had nothing but joy in his heart that by Christmas he hoped to be able to have something solid to eat. His tumors have all shrunk and the doctors are very optimistic, as are we his family.
We never truly appreciate our good health until we lose it. Then we would give anything to have it and our “normal” life back. This season of giving, I am giving to support health care because I have lived with someone who has experienced the impact it can have when a hospital like CoxHealth is able to provide, with donor support, the best equipment, programs, education and the financial grants that can give hope in the midst of a devastating illness. While my parents have been blessed with insurance that covers much of my dad’s costs, many families are not as fortunate and the grants the Foundation provides are their only opportunity to receive financial support.
Donors have made so many “miracles” happen in partnership with great doctors, nurses and hospital teams here at CoxHealth. If you have a heart for giving to healthcare, we hope you will consider CoxHealth and the Foundation this Giving Tuesday. We promise that every dollar gifted will impact a local patient and give them the helping hand back to good health. Click here to donate today: https://www.coxhealthfoundation.com/to-give/donate-now/
