Dr. Jack Erban
The following words were spoken at the beginning of the 2019 Runway Show in Boston, MA in October. At that event, Runway honored and paid tribute to the doctor that supported and inspired our nonprofit for its first year in 2007. After decades of treating women for breast cancer at New England Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Tufts Medical Center, Jack succumb to his own fight against cancer on September 2, 2020. We will forever hold him in our hearts and could not be more grateful for the life that he shared with all of us.
KATHRYN:
If I had to describe Dr. Erban it would be this— he one of those rare people in life that touches your heart and you are never the same.
JENN:
This remarkable man has been a rock for so many of us fighting the disease, and I’ve felt such great comfort knowing that he’s in my corner.
KATHLEEN:
If I can say anything about having breast cancer it was that I was lucky enough to find Dr. Erban early on and have him be my oncologist.
KATHRYN:
He helped to care for my mother when she was sick and then dying…he did the same for Olivia’s mother. And then helped care for me to ensure I would get to see my daughter grow up.
JENN:
What’s particularly inspiring is that Dr. Erban knows as much about your family and your personal successes and struggles as he knows about your cancer and its history
KATHLEEN:
For the past 7 years I’ve always felt at ease knowing I was receiving the best possible care, that I was being listened to and all my symptoms were being addressed 100% of the time.
KATHRYN:
All the while, Dr. Erban always, always does everything with intense heart and an immense amount of genuine love. My family has endless gratitude and love for this incredible man.
JENN:
Every time he walks into the exam room, one of his first questions to me is “How’s Cooper?” My 5 year old. And he really does care how I answer. Dr. Erban is a brilliant practitioner, but he’s equally a dear friend who’s always cheering you on towards the best possible outcomes. And for that, I’m forever grateful.
KATHLEEN:
I’m here today because of the care and the love Dr Erban has for his patients and his commitment to fighting breast cancer. And tonight, we get to honor him and thank him for all that he has done for the world of breast cancer and for Runway.
Forever grateful, forever in awe, and forever in our hearts.
