Sanaz Afiat, MD, Ophthalmologist, at home with her husband Alex Friedrich, Economics Professor, and their daughter Aria.
"I’ve been forced to put aside planning days, weeks, even months ahead, and live just for today. No one even can pretend to know what tomorrow will bring anymore. And I feel that avoidance of making my stance known on issues of racism and politics for the sake of 'political correctness' is no longer acceptable. Now is the time to speak out."
"I worry that my only child won’t get to go back to school in the fall. I worry about when I will see my mother and brother and grandparents again, and the risk to them when I do. I worry what another round of shutdowns might do to our clinic and employees and patients - many people have more fear of losing their eyesight than dying of COVID-19."
"I pray that there will be lasting changes to break down systemic racism in our country. I hope that this hardship, and getting through it, will refocus priorities on what matters most- people and relationships. And that it will build resilience in our younger generations and give everyone perspective on how to create a stronger, and more united, communities."