The man on the top of this page means the absolute world to me. In my eyes, he's a saint, and becomes more of one each and every day.

My family's journey with Dr. Bean started before I was born. Sam and Adam, my brothers, were born 4 months early, and began their lives in the NICU. Dr. Bean, a neurologist, served them as infants. As they grew, more challenges became evident - autism, mild cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and more. Dr. Bean helped find the medicines that could best help, the techniques to shape behaviors, and provided a sounding and listening board for advice.

I remember joining my parents and brothers at their routine checkups as a young child. Dr. Bean ran through evaluations, and then had us play while he talked to my parents in depth. He always had a sticker for me too after we left, though I wasn't his patient. He wanted me to know that he knew I was there too.

Flash forward to the fall of 2006, when Sam experienced his first seizure. Dr. Bean answered the call, scheduled the next appointment, and told my parents to "bring Stephen." He spoke to me that day in a different way than ever before, explaining the ins and outs of a seizure, handed me literature on epilepsy for young teens, and identified every worry I had before I even spoke them. He knew me, he knew my family, and he made it clear that he'd continue to serve us as best he could, because of how well he knew us all. Our relationship became closer from that day forward.

Dr. Bean always had a grandfatherly influence, his knowledge was coupled with care and concern for us all. As Sam's epilepsy continued, Dr. Bean always made sure we had ample time for appointments, so any and all questions could be asked and answered. As I grew and started down my path to become a special educator, he kept tabs on my progress, and nominated me for a scholarship presented by an organization that supports people who have epileipsy, and their siblings. His letter still sits on my desk today... I was one of approximately 40 winners in the United States. 

Dr. Bean transferred to Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children just a couple years later. Again, demonstrating his "Grandfather" role, he looked out for his patients and grandfathered them into this new practice, seeing them until age 21, rather than 18. On our last appointment, we stared at each other with tears in our eyes. So much had occurred through those years, and this man played such a role in shaping us all to be appropriate and successful caregivers, as well as Sam and Adam to be productive and healthy members of society. He was more than a doctor, he was family. 

Dr. Bean's long-time partner, Dr. Fisher, became our neurologist, and not one beat was skipped. He set the precedent. Though, Dr. Bean was still not removed from our family.

Dr. Bean retired in 2017, after serving the Delaware community and thousands of patients. Upon his retirement, The Bean-Chronister Endowed Lectureship Series was established, named for Dr. S. Charles Bean and Dr. Ted Chronister, who were the lead pediatric neurologists in the state of Delaware for many years. This lectureship will bring an expert to Nemours every year to present on pediatric neurology, ensuring local physicians continue to have access to the most cutting-edge information. The man has never stopped caring, and never will - even out of work. 

Just last year, Sam had a brainstem stroke. Of course, Dr. Bean was in the hospital within days, running tests on Sam, offering his thoughts, and checking in on progress throughout the journey. Our relationship with Dr. Fisher grew stronger too, because of the way that practice was established by Dr. Bean. Only months later, Adam experienced his first seizure. The care provided by both men has been astounding, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Neurology is a part of our life, and always will be. So many challenges, obstacles, and hiccups in the field have been thrown at my family. It seems odd to say, but there's a comfort when these issues arise, because we know we have the ultimate care from our neurologists. Dr. Bean is the reason this is the case. From Day 1, he was there, and never did he stop caring, thinking, or offering to help. His staff and colleagues serve in the same fashion, becuase there's nobody better to emulate. Find any former patient, and just the mention of Dr. Bean's name brings a smile to their face. He truly is a legend, and the lectureship is proof of his care, ensuring many future generations are served by the best of the best.

For these reasons, this cause means so much to me. On January 10th and 11th this year, I will be running the Walt Disney World 10K and Half Marathon. This year, I would like to pledge my efforts towards the The Bean-Chronister Endowed Lectureship Series. My 19.3 miles is a small effort compared to the challenges Dr. Bean's families faced, but the support he gave meant the world to all. I want to give back, to ensure that families and patients across the Delaware Valley have the chance to receive similar care - thanks to this lectureship. 

Please consider supporting me, by donating to a great cause, inspired by a wonderful man. Thank you.