Dr. Michele Kalt, a dedicated cardiologist from Los Angeles, found herself facing a profound shift in her life’s focus when her own child, Sienna, was diagnosed with a rare adult form of cancer at just six years old. Suddenly, Dr. Kalt transitioned from treating patients to fiercely advocating for her daughter’s health while balancing the demands of her medical profession.
Amidst the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, Dr. Kalt discovered a beacon of unwavering support in Chai Lifeline. Initially hesitant, she soon found herself embraced by their compassionate community. It was through Chai Lifeline, and the warmth and understanding of individuals like Randi Grossman, the director of Chai Lifeline’s West Coast region, that Dr. Kalt and her family found solace and strength.
Chai Lifeline didn’t just offer support for Sienna; they embraced the entire Kalt family, transforming an unimaginable journey into one that felt a little less daunting. They weren’t just a network of support; they became family. Today, Sienna is thriving as a college student in Virginia, and the bond she shares with her mother has only grown stronger over the years.
Dr. Kalt’s unwavering resilience is deeply rooted in her own family history. Her parents, survivors of the Holocaust, instilled in her a legacy of strength and survival. Her mother’s resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity, having survived Auschwitz, serves as a guiding light in Dr. Kalt’s mission to find meaning and purpose in life’s challenges.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength and love of mothers like Dr. Kalt, who navigate life’s most challenging moments with grace, courage, and unwavering determination.
