As a 19-year-old, I applied for a number of health-related internships. I had dreamed of an internship in the health journalism space and ultimately was granted an opportunity at Texas Children’s Hospital with one of my best friends. I had initially been disappointed about my assignment. At that time, I was certain that the best way to disrupt global health disparities would be via journalism. It took one day on the pediatric hematology/oncology ward for me to realize that I wanted to be a pediatric hematologist-oncologist. 

Since that time, I’ve dreamed of ways to intersect my passion for change/advocacy with pediatric hematology/oncology; I’ve watered the part of my soul that is nourished by literature and journalism; I’ve sat through undergraduate and graduate courses that explore global health disparities and integrated those themes into both my undergraduate thesis and MPHTM capstone. 

When I applied for medical school, I shared that I wanted to be a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and that I wanted my efforts to have global health implications. “Geography dictates outcomes” I said and while my interviewers agreed with that sentiment (I mean…it’s a fact), many shared that I would change my mind about my future discipline & others shared that it would be impossible to create an academic career in global pediatric hematology-oncology.

When I applied for residency, I shared that I had pursued a MD/MPHTM so that I would cultivate the necessary skills to become a pediatric hematologist-oncologist with global health impact. “Geography dictates outcomes” I said and the response was variable. Some interviewers shared that my passion was infectious albeit short-sighted. Others echoed what I had heard during my medical school interviews. Others encouraged me to dream. I had the great fortune to have the opportunity to intersect with a global pediatric hematology-oncology legend, KOF, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I had the opportunity to spend a month on the pediatric hematology/oncology ward in Gabarone, Botswana which only confirmed my desire to pursue this work. 

When I applied for fellowship, I shared that I wanted to pursue work that would contribute to efforts to improve outcomes after curative therapy (bone marrow transplant/gene therapy) for children in Sub-Saharan Africa. I found myself at a program that was excited about my vision and helped me to design a way to pursue such work as a fellow. 

I have heard for over a decade that my dreams are impossible and at times, I believed that. This grant from ASH has breathed life into my mission and is a “yes” that makes clear to me that this work is worthwhile. My gratitude to ASH knows no bounds and even as I type this, a few tears of gratitude fall. My gratitude includes those who have supported me as I have navigated this journey. Most importantly: my parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, grandparents, cousins. Additionally, my chosen family – the friends who encouraged me along the way and supported me during grant season. Lastly, I have infinite gratitude for all the research mentors who have led by example and taught me how to marry advocacy with academia.

Thank you to ASH and thank you to my tribe. And for the children of Sub-Saharan Africa, this one’s for you.