Susan, and family. You don’t know me, but your father saved my life. I recall very vividly the tears he cried at the foot of my bed when he believed I had a rare and incurable form of cancer. Because of our names, and similar ages, it hit him hard and he told my family that he thought of his own “Susan”. As I was only 21 at the time, it was an epic event. As it turned out, it was not such a rare one, but still, a very aggressive one, and I underwent chemotherapy for a year. Which, obviously, saved my life too. But his care and attention to my condition is a legend, unlike he himself.
I regret that I did not take the initiative to contact him since that time, but he has never been far from my thoughts. I often tell the story of how he sat me down after his examination of my condition….and said: ” I am not certain what is wrong, but I know something definitely is, it could be…gather your slippers and housecoat and toothbrush, as you will be staying in the hospital tonight and tomorrow we will get in there and have a look.” Had he not done this, I would have died for certain, for I was in stage 4, with about an 8% chance at surviving. and here I am telling you this because I needed to express to you that your father is a truly remarkable creature. Of course you know this, but I felt compelled to share with you this story. I hope that is ok. Thank your for your kind attention…respectfully and sincerely… Zan van Brunschot, ovarian cancer survivor March 10, 1984.
