Doctor Who Chose to Treat Coronavirus Patients over Being with Cancer-Stricken Son Receives Huge Public Support
A medical doctor who chose to treat patients suffering from coronavirus rather than being with his son, who has cancer, was lauded for his selflessness by members of the public.
All heroes do not wear capes, and Nick Dennison, one of the medical doctors on the frontlines, is one. The doctor shared his experience while battling coronavirus in a post on Facebook.
In the post, Nick explained that he is a consultant anesthetist currently working at Frimley Park Hospital, adding that all anesthetists would be re-roled as intensive care doctors this week.
Coronavirus quarantine sign | Photo: Pixabay/Alexey_Hulsov
After explaining how anesthetists would be helping with the coronavirus fight, Nick revealed that the ICUs were already filled with many COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the need for people to stay at home and maintain social distancing.
He also said that some of his colleagues had tested positive for the virus, showing that medical workers were not safe either. After further stressing the need for social distancing, the doctor added a personal message about his son. He said:
"On a more personal level, my son turned three years old last week and is six weeks into a three-year chemotherapy program for lymphoma."
Nick also said that coronavirus was a significant threat to his son's life, meaning that he could no longer stay at home while treating patients of the disease, to avoid infecting his son.
The heroic doctor added that he had to make the hard choice of either saving the lives of people infected by the disease or being with his son while he battled cancer.
Dr. Nick further said that while he hoped his son, Alfie would survive his fight with cancer, so many people would die of coronavirus.
He also said that while his heart was broken with his decision, he has chosen to save the lives of strangers, leaving his wife to care for their son and his family.
The doctor's emotional post elicited a host of reactions from many people, who hailed him for being selfless despite being faced with such a hard decision.
One respondent said that Dr. Nick had a hard choice to make and that he and his co-health workers have proven their dedication during these terrible times. The respondent added that Alfie deserved to get better and that he would be praying for him.
Another person said that Dr. Nick's message showed the need for people to listen to health agencies and stay at home to reduce the pressure on health workers, and limit the spread of the virus.
Many others prayed for the wellbeing of the heroic doctor's son and wished him strength as he continues to save the lives of coronavirus victims.
We at AmoMama do our best to give you the most updated news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, but the situation is constantly changing. We encourage readers to refer to the online updates from CDC, WHO, or Local Health Departments to stay updated. Take care!