My next blog was supposed to be about Remission. This is not. This blog is about a special person in my life. A person that I met many years ago that had probably the most profound impact on my life that one could ever imagine. It has been many years since we last spoke but the unforgettable gesture of wisdom that this young man imparted upon me will forever be ingrained in the story of my life.
A very professional, humble, soft-spoken and gentile person, Ed Ciecko was just a little bit older than me and had just begun his first week in a new medical office. I hadn’t been to a doctor in ten years and when I called for an appointment to see a doctor at my new primary office in Northeast Philly, they only had appointments available with Dr. Ciecko. I have mentioned him prior in the beginning of my blog, if you remember back that far. I made the appointment to see him about a lingering cough and cold but his offer to run some bloodwork on that Monday, May 21st, 1996, to have me on record, was the decision that saved my life. He called me two days later on the 23rd at 8:00 am, with an appointment he already set, to be at the Hemotologist at Frankford Torresdale Hospital by 9:00 am. “I need you to go there right away, there are some inconsistencies in your bloodwork that we need to follow up with.”, was all he said. This was the first volley fired at me in my 25 year plus battle with Leukemia. Pressed for more information, he kindly implored me to be at the Hemotologist by 9am… no delay please. I’m sure he knew the dilemma that was confronting me. He just wanted to be 100 percent. Without his request, persistence and insight, I may not be here today.
I received information today that Dr. Ciecko passed away this weekend unexpectedly at 62 years old. Still practicing medicine. Still helping so many people all of these years. There is an outpouring of love online with countless stories of his amazing ethic and professionalism. He was a special doctor. A special man. A lifesaver to myself and so many others. I am heartbroken. Life can be so unfair. This is one of those moments.
Rest peacefully Doc. With love and utmost respect…I Thank Youâ¤