12 Days of Giving: Day 2

Today's giving was two-fold. The first is a tradition: donating gifts to children or sponsoring a family/child, and this year was no different. Tom brought two unwrapped toys for the "Toys for Tots" program at Toys 'R Us.

My second gift was much more personally meaningful and satisfying. A family friend, who I consider an uncle, has cancer, and because I work at UM's Sylvester cancer center, he is getting treated there after a stay at MD Anderson in Houston. I spent all morning with him and his wife in an attempt to help manage his care with what I know from the inside -- it's been a juggling act and emotionally draining because I care so much for them. They have shown us great kindness, love, and support and it is a privilege for me to help shoulder this burden and to assist in whatever way I can during this trying time for the family.