It’s hard to believe that it’s already been two years since my beloved Onc Dr. S. has retired (I can now reveal his last name: Strair). You can understand how he held/holds such a special place in my heart - considering that he literally saved my life. And he couldn’t have been more humble about the feat.
During a recent session at the clinic, I was recalling his tenure with my nurse de jour, who happened to be around when he was there. She actually came to work at CINJ when the cancer program was just getting started (fueled by Strair’s guidance, reputation and attitude). Much of what exists today is directly attributable to him and his vision. She also shared that Dr. Strair didn’t actually stay retired very long and is now working at a fledgling clinic in an underserved area of urban south NJ - which should come as no surprise to anyone.
While swapping some of our favorite Dr. Strair stories and memories, her voice grew quiet and I detected a building blurriness in her eyes. And as tears can be contagious, I was growing misty as well. We both paused and sighed, and then went about the business of the day (continuing the administration of the syringe of Darzalex into my tummy), as Dr. Strair would have wanted - us not making a fuss over him.
He is alive and well and continuing to selflessly share the abundance of his head and heart to as many patients as possible - kicking cancer’s butt wherever he goes / however he can, sir ! We all miss you Dr. Strair, and hope that fate crosses our paths sometime in the future. Medical Marvel / Mentor / Maven / Mensch
