Full Circle Gratitude – Dr. Blake Ross’ story

“It’s been nearly 10 years since my mother and I initially volunteered with The Heimerdinger Foundation. My first real experience with patients that go through a devastating cancer diagnosis (and the impending grueling treatments) was when my family and I delivered meals to people in need. This was after I was in college (around 2014). I learned a lot during that time, and it was probably one of the foundational experiences that helped me decide on a career within the oncology field. 

Fast-forward through medical school and four more years of residency training in radiation oncology, where I learned a lot more about cancer, but I still hadn’t truly understood the patient side of therapy – not until my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, having walked that journey with her, I have much more insight into the difficulty of daily living when going through cancer treatment. Since my mom was a client of The Heimerdinger Foundation, I was able to enjoy hearing about the meals that my mother would get delivered to her door – and more importantly the great impact that would have on her mood and wellbeing.” – Dr. Blake Ross