Dear Allen,

I would very much appreciate it if you could write a poem for me and my husband to give the specialist who treats my husband for cancer. Without his help we would not have managed to make it through the last fourteen months. He has gone over and above the call of duty to make our lives easier. When we call he is there. My husband, Bill*, has got bladder cancer and is only 32 years old. this is an old man's disease. Most people who get it are in their late 60's. So far Bill* is the youngest on record. Nobody can tell us what will happen down the track, treatment wise. When Bill* was first diagnosed we were not in a private health fund and have had to pay for everything for the last twelve months until the health fund waiting period was over. Dr Bandi tried to make things as cheap as possible for us. He even made arrangements with the private hospital, where Bill* has treatment, to have a special rate for us. If it wasn't for him we would probably have had to move and uproot our four small sons (aged 9, 5, 3, 3). People have referred to Dr Bandi as the human plumber. He specializes in urology. The doctor is only young himself and has a young family. With all the hours he keeps he still finds time to coach his young son's cricket team. He comes from India and has the quirkiest sense of humor. I regard him as the closest thing to a saint that I will ever come across. I would like to frame this poem and present to him on behalf of the other patients that have gone through chemo with Bill*. It looks like the treatment is working and things are under control, not only for Bill* but for the other patients as well. We all feel a special bond after experiencing such enormous emotions. We joked the other day about being Dr Bandi's fan club. I am not very good at putting my thoughts into verse so I will leave that in your capable hands. I am eagerly awaiting your reply.

Kind regards, Roberta* and Bill* *names have been changed

On behalf of Dr Sanjeev Bandi,

The Saint

Probably once in a lifetime, you get to meet a Saint. How do you describe that person ? It's a difficult picture to paint. He's obviously someone you can count on, when you meet him you can feel the care. You know that you can rely on him, and when you call he'll be there. He'll even wheel and deal, in his own special way, knows that medicine is expensive, and not everyone can afford to pay. He has the quirkiest sense of humor, and really is just one of the chaps. They call him the Human Plumber, he fixes pipes and mends their taps ! He really is a special person, his fan club is growing fast, he is saving members by the day, and we know that's going to last. And we just wanted to say thank you, and that's what these words are for. Just know that you have our eternal gratitude, today, tomorrow and for ever more.

Copyright www.agiftofpoetry.co.uk 2009

Allen Jesson

Comments:

Thank-you Allen for the prompt response to my request. You have captured the essence of this remarkable man perfectly. I am sure the other patients will all agree with me when I say thank-you again. Of course you can publish the poem but yes please change the names. My eternal thanks