Helping The Community

DR. SANTOS GOES THE EXTRA MILE FOR A PATIENT

As a pediatric dentist, I come in contact with some amazing children who have to endure the daily challenges of dealing with diabetes. This is not a condition that you can ignore and children have a hard time adjusting to a regimen that will keep them healthy. Having to monitor your blood sugar levels several times a day, making sure that you eat when you have to and avoid things that others are eating, taking insulin shots or dealing with a pump – not necessarily fun stuff when there is a huge pressure to be liked or accepted within your peers. I started bike riding a couple of years ago as a way to share some exercise and quality time with my husband and my boys. During the past few years, I have been riding at the Tour de Cure because it is the best thing I can do to help raise awareness and funds for the American Diabetes Association. This year, I took the 100-mile challenge to honor my patients who suffer from this terrible disease, in particular, a little girl named Hannah. My patient Hannah suffers from many other healthcare disabilities but the one that she struggles the most with is diabetes. However, if you knew her, you would never be able to tell. She is always happy and has a witty remark for everything you say. She loves to sing and has a sweet love for her younger siblings. Hannah’s positive attitude brings perspective to my life and makes me smile. I chose her as my inspiration for this ride because I wanted to be reminded of the reason why I am crazy enough to complete this challenge. After a certain amount of miles, my legs started to hurt and my mind wanted to take a shorter route but I had Hannah’s name on my handlebar to remind me that, despite her daily struggles, she can make others smile. Click here to read Dr. Santos-Cordero’s story in the East County Observer