Flattening the curve refers to community isolation measures that keep the daily number of disease cases at a manageable level for medical providers.
Last night I stayed in Chicago because I had a very early appointment at Northwestern today to have a port draw and routine CT scan.
I’m always a little on edge before any scan, and what’s going on in the world right now, has just about everyone on edge.
This was my second visit to Northwestern since the news of the coronavirus pandemic broke.
What I experienced today was very reassuring.
There were a lot less people and many bars and restaurants were closed or will be by tonight.
What was unchanged was the incredible care and dedication of doctors, nurses and first responders, I witnessed first-hand.
While I decided to wear a mask for the majority of the time due to being immunocompromised and my recent bouts with pneumonia, I saw many doctors and nurses working without masks.
This reminded me there is a fine line between living in fear and being prepared.
If my journey with cancer taught me anything, it is that when we can’t control the situation, all we really can control is how we respond.
So when those feelings of fear and dread start to creep in, I try to combat those feelings with gratitude.
As bad as things get, there is always something to be grateful for.
Today, I’m so thankful that I got to spend extra time with my dad during my appointments.
While these are certainly unprecedented and uncertain times, my experience today was a powerful reminder of the reality medical professionals and first responders face on a daily basis.
They can’t work from home, or practice social distancing but they continue to show up day after day to serve and help protect our communities.
Thank you for all that you do and I’m keeping all of you in my prayers.