We Love “Dr. B” – Our Pediatric Oncologist

By Sandra Walberg, mother to Austin, 11, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in maintenance

We as parents learn so much about love from our children. We learn in the moments of tenderness and in the moments of difficulty. When your child is diagnosed with childhood cancer, again you learn about love. We fight for our children, give up our sleep and work, and we sacrifice ourselves willingly. We want to save our children because we love them unconditionally.

One place I never expected to learn so much about love is from our pediatric oncologist, Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, St. Baldrick’s funded researcher, or “Dr. B” as we know him. I knew he was there to do his best to save my child, but I did not know he too would love and self-sacrifice for my child.

When Austin was diagnosed with leukemia, Dr. B escorted us to the hospital and then stayed late into the night, talking with us and comforting us. He always greeted Austin with hugs and tickles. Dr. B doesn’t just treat the child; he cares for the whole family. He would give out his cell phone number to parents, and when I would call in the middle of the night, he would be there to talk and answer questions, never sounding put out or disturbed. While we are up at night worrying, soothing pains, or rubbing bald heads, Dr. B is making rounds at different hospitals and researching better cures.

One particular night I was filled with worry and could not sleep and went on Facebook to pass the time. There was Dr. B, lending a comforting word, telling me to go to bed and get some rest. In the darkest hours of the night, he is there to comfort, gives freely of himself, and shows self-sacrificing love. He goes above and beyond, no matter the time of day or night. Dr. B’s office is filled with love, from the nurses to the office staff, and I believe it all comes down from Dr. B’s giving heart.

Each year Dr. B shaves his head for our kids at a local St. Baldrick’s event, and reminds us that he is in this battle with us, wholeheartedly. Dr. B shows immeasurable love to us families battling cancer, and for that, I love Dr. B.

Photo: Austin with Dr. B, by Flashes of Hope