Caring for cancer patients at the age of 13
This is a special love story about a little girl and the grandfather she adores. Little 13-year-old Hannah Davidson and her grandfather, Dr. Jake Bitran stole the show at Hannah’s Bat Mitzvah. A Bat Mitzvah is an important Jewish ritual—a rite of passage at the age of 13. It’s often marked by a large celebration.
And so a year before her big occasion, Hannah and her grandfather started practicing a special hip hop dance together. Hannah was the choreographer, and Dr. Bitran, a more-than-willing participant. The dance went off without a hitch.
But Hannah’s admiration for her grandfather extends far beyond his dancing skills. Dr. Bitran has been a hematologist/oncologist in Chicagoland for the past 41 years. His passion for treating cancer patients at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill., has sparked a similar passion in his granddaughter.
To mark her Bat Mitzvah, an important transition from child to adult, Hannah had to do a good deed. She chose to make beaded bracelets and sell them on Facebook. She is donating the proceeds to the pediatric oncology program at Advocate Children’s Hospital.
“She’s a very caring little girl,” says Dr. Bitran. “She understands what I do, and she adores children. She’s already talking about being a nurse practitioner,” he adds proudly.
“My dad and Hannah have a very special connection,” says Lauren Davidson. “She so admires that he helps people. She wanted to do the same thing.”
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About the Author
Evonne Woloshyn, health enews contributor, is director of public affairs at Advocate Children's Hospital. Evonne began her career as an anchor and reporter in broadcast news. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in health care marketing in both Ohio and Illinois. Evonne loves to travel, spend time with family and is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan!
