At 13 months old, Brady was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. During his treatments, one of his many doctors visits was to an interventional radiologist. That doctor was my dad.
My dad and Brady had a special bond because my dad was also undergoing cancer treatments. My dad knew all to well the fear that Brady and his family was experiencing. My dad loved all children, but he had a special place in his heart for Brady. When he would come home from work and talk about Brady, his face would light up. Brady was an extraordinary baby, and my dad was an extraordinary man.
At 23 months old after a long fight with cancer, Brady passed away. When my dad found out, he was completely distraught. How could this happen to an innocent child? Especially Brady. The saying that “life is unfair” does not even begin to describe it. A couple of months after Brady passed, my dad passed away as well. This goes to show how cancer is not picky and no one is invincible. Brady and my dad, two people who were loved by so many, were taken from us all too soon.
But instead of sinking into a depression and being angry at the world which would be the easier option, Brady’s parents started the Hugs for Brady foundation which is dedicated to helping children with childhood cancers. This cause is so special because it not only raises money for research, but it also helps to make the children’s hospital stays as comfortable as possible. This is what my dad would do when he would see young patients such as Brady- he would let them play games on his iPhone, tickle them, and make them feel like a normal kid.
Hugs for Brady hits close to home for me and my family, and we are so proud to be a part of it. Together, we will fight as hard as we can to end cancer.
Sarah Siegel’s wrote this story and submitted to a charity contest held where she works. We are so enthusiastic to say that she won and $5,000 has been donated to the Hugs for Brady Foundation. We are so grateful to Sarah and her amazing family. Just like little Brady, Dr. Siegel will be forever in our hearts. We miss them both so much.