Practicing Judaism wasn’t always an important part of Aaron Lazar’s life, but it grew to become that some 30 years ago.
Turning to God
“And in ’87 when my first son was born I just considered that one of the best miracles of my life,” said Lazar. “I was then, at that point I was like ‘I need to talk to this guy, I need to learn how to talk to Him.’ So I went to Beth Shalom, my Jewish home since ’87 and started learning Hebrew.”
It was around that same time he joined the DuPage Medical Group as a family practitioner.
“In Hebrew there’s a word called Tikkun olam, which means ‘to make the world better.’ That was my passion going into medical school in the first place,” said Lazar. “In the end the Lord inspires me. He heals through me.”
Becoming the Patient
But in February of this year, Doctor Lazar learned he was the one who needed healing.
When his typing became illegible in his work documents, his medical director made a neurologist appointment for him.
“And I saw the neurologist and she showed my brain scan which we both had a strong suspicion was Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer,” explained Lazar.
Symptom Watch
Headaches, dexterity issues, and vision changes were just some of the symptoms he experienced but ignored.
“My doctor found out about me later than they should have by a few weeks,” he added.
Don’t Be Shy
Now he’s using his illness as a wake up call for others – urging them to talk to their doctors with issues and concerns as soon as possible.
Looking Ahead
As for Doctor Lazar’s current condition – he’s had 85-90% of his tumor removed, and is looking to the power of his peers to fully beat the disease.
“My prayers right now is that He uses my physicians and heals me through them,” he said.
Naperville News 17’s Christine Lena reports.
