My parents abandoned me in a hospital at 13 because my ca.nc.er treatment was “too expensive.” 15 years later, hearing I was the Valedictorian of Columbia University College, they demanded VIP tickets

them.

That was three years ago.

I am thirty-one now, officially Dr. Emily Rivera, completing my fellowship in pediatric oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Every day, I walk into hospital rooms and tell frightened children they are not alone.

Megan still lives in New York, though she works part-time now. I bought her a new car last year. We talk every continue reading …