How Do You Thank Someone that Saves Your Life?

To the Team at IU Health,

How do you thank someone that saves your life?

I wish I could paint you a picture. An image with rays of sunshine so vibrant that it would light up any room. The canvas would be draped in darkness, a scene of a volatile sea with ominous clouds and a tiny ship teetering on the crest of an angry wave ready to break. I would paint the rays of sun symbolizing a beacon of hope that orientates and brings warmth to the passengers of the tiny ship.

I wish I could sing you a song. A melody so sweet that it swells the heart of everyone that hears it. A tune that brings peace, comfort, and support like a familiar warm blanket. I would screech the highest note to show how you lifted me up and harken my deepest bass voice to show you depth of my appreciation.

I wish I could build you a castle. A structure so big and strong that it would stand forever. A home that was worthy of royalty and a place of celebration for everyone that entered. I would lay each stone with precision making it a place of refuge and safety for anyone that entered and spare no expense on decorations to fill the space with beauty for all its guests.

Unfortunately, I’m not a painter, singer, or an architect. I know very little about most forms of art. Although I’ve carried the weight of a diagnosis of cancer with me for the last two and a half years and endured more than forty rounds of treatment, I know very little about the disease. And because I tried to channel my focus on something - anything - other than the reality of my situation during each of my visits, I regrettably failed to get to know many of the names of the people that checked me in, answered my billing questions, drew my blood, monitored and read my PET/CT, scheduled my appointments, or gave me my treatment. But, I know this…

You have been my sunshine, the rays of light that brought me out of the darkness and revealed a way forward. You have been my angels, a force of peace that have calmed my nerves with your friendly voices and uplifting presence. You have been my bunker, a place that kept me safe during the most turbulent storms.

For giving me company…
For giving me comfort...

For giving me laughter...
For giving me healing…

For giving me peace...
For giving me love…

For giving me your expertise…
For giving me your attention...

For giving me hope...
For giving me life...

Thank you.

I don’t know what tomorrow brings. But, I celebrate today and each new day because of all of you.

With my deepest gratitude,


Brad Fischer