Pieter was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2002. A second father to me, Pieter inspired me in more realms of life than simply medicine. Pieter’s wittty humor, his love of life, his unconditional support, and recognition of what truly matters in life were his defining characteristics that I looked up to. Yes, he was a cancer patient for six years, but he never let cancer define him. During Pieter’s journey with cancer, my interest in medicine steadily developed. Inspired by his strength and determination throughout his ongoing treatments, my aspiration to become a surgeon took root. Pieter and his family, in addition to my gramma, are among the main influences that have shaped my current career goals for my medical journey.