My grandmother worked overtime in a factory for over 20 years so that my mom could go to college. She was determined to give her daughters the opportunities that she never had, and she never let anyone stand in their way. 

My grandma beamed with pride when my mother graduated from a prestigious university, and she was overjoyed when I was accepted at the University of California San Diego with hopes of becoming the first doctor in our family.

Now, even at 5-foot-1, my 84-year-old grandma is the strongest person I know—and that is why I was stunned when a simple fall caused my grandma to become hospitalized and develop a rare disease known as Ogilvie’s Syndrome. 

She was sent to a hospital near her small, low-income town in San Bernardino, California. I visited her as often as I could, and my mother and I both made sure to call or video chat with her at least once a day. Still, living alone in the hospital took its toll on her mental health. My grandma, one of the strongest, most determined and happiest people I know began to show signs of depression. 

After months in the hospital, there were no options left other than a risky surgery. I was with her all day before the procedure, and I was astonished at how many hospital staff came by to comfort us. It was just a few minutes of their time, but it was all they had, and I will never forget their kindness. 

After my grandma came out of surgery, everything felt calm as I sat there holding her hand. But suddenly her blood pressure began to drop drastically. I rushed to alert the nurse, and she quickly increased the IV fluids and tilted the bed back in a desperate attempt to get blood to my grandma’s brain. I stayed with her until she stabilized, helping in any way I could. Even though all I could do was get her blankets and whisper words of encouragement, I just wanted to help her.

Thankfully, my grandma recovered from her time in the hospital and she intends to watch me earn my white coat one day. After experiencing disparities in healthcare firsthand with my grandma, I know that every long night of studying will be worth it. My grandma and people like her deserve the best doctors in the world, and they motivate me to try to become one.

I want to channel my grandma’s difficult experiences into something positive—she has inspired me to help protect the elderly from feeling the same loneliness and isolation that my grandma felt in the hospital. 

Volunteering with Love for The Elderly by writing Letters of Love is a fun and easy way for me to make sure that the elderly feel loved, important, and appreciated. Many elderly people have lost contact with their friends and families due to COVID-19, so now is the perfect time to write some letters. 

My grandma taught me that love is free to give, and she never misses an opportunity to make someone smile. She has inspired me to try to make a difference for seniors all over the country.

Thank you, Selena, for sharing your story. If you wish to share your own story, email emma@loveforourelders.org.