cpbw_banner

This week is the Second Annual National Pro Bono Celebration.  Along with many other bloggers, I pledged to post about my pro bono experiences.  Of course, had I looked at my calendar when I made the pledge I would have realized that I would be deep in trial preparation, as well as several other client responsibilities this week.  As you might expect, I found it difficult to set aside the time to write about my pro bono experiences, while balancing client responsibilities, family and, of course, my pro bono matters.  But then I heard some terrible news, followed by some wonderful news. 

A friend’s young child had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and they were waiting to find out if it was cancerous and whether the surgery to remove was successful and sufficient.  Thankfully, the surgery was successful and the tumor was not cancerous.  Of course, that was the case because of, among other things, all of the advances that have occurred in brain tumor medicine; advances funded and championed by the American Brain Tumor Association, who I am proud to do pro bono work for.  As a side note, the Association’s website is an amazing resource for patients, family, friends and survivors.  Brain tumors strike without regard to age or other demographics, and I am sad to say I have referred my share of friends and clients to the site when they or their loved ones were diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Amidst pressing responsibilities this week, I had a clear reminder in the form of a now-healthy child and his relieved family about why I do pro bono work.  I am proud that I can dedicate some of my time to aid worthy causes, and I am proud to be part of a profession that values the donation of our services to help those in need.