They say, “It’s not the wind it’s the water”. The surge is like a clip to the knees, downing sturdy houses, upending tractor trailers and piling debris like pick -up sticks. The depth and breadth of devastation is shocking even to Floridians as more evidence of the power of the storm comes to light. At some point we wondered if the peninsula of tropical palms and brilliant sun would be amputated from the mainland. We started to become aware of how Puerto Rico and Cuba were managing.

Patients coming back to care this week are somewhat disoriented. Cancer is lacking the immediacy and urgency in comparison with rescue. There is a greater need for them to share their stories than to see their scans or hear a new plan. The life threatening massive hurricane has left many numb. Even staff members, so critical to the team, are scrambling to work amid the cleanup.

“I tried to get to my father who lives alone. He had to crawl onto his roof”. Another, “My grandmother is in a wheelchair on oxygen. I am lucky to reach her neighbors who were able to come to her aid.” The surge happened in minutes, but the terror was enhanced by the hours of tornado warnings and bursts- just when you thought you were safe. As if the hurricane wasn’t enough. Destruction random and swift.

The rest of the US has moved on other than occasional news and images of damage. What remains here, however is evidence of profound courage. An opportunity to inspire everyone everywhere. We begin to peer out and hope that amazing fortitude can be ours as well. Patients tap into the belief in survival. They are emboldened. You can almost see it in their demeanor. They are not cowering. They are relaying events and borrowing courage for themselves.

“What’s next for my metastatic disease, Doc?” So many aspects of health are challenged: loss of function- a confused brain, lack of strength, feeble legs, depressed spirit all seem like painted facades. The beating heart of hope remains steadfast. The possibilities of rebirth remain.

It gives me pause everyday this past week. Of course the support of loved ones by their side, or even on the phone is critical to success. But I am privileged to look directly into the eyes. Strong, fierce veterans, obstinate skinny grandmas, determined young fathers, powerful, beautiful women who do not need a movement to encourage them. These forces related to the storm’s impact on those already challenged, compel me not even to inspire you today, but to validate that the force of nature is not in the wind and the water.