I think of Heather as a profoundly hopeful person, who was always looking to make things better, not only for herself but for others who suffered like her and for all of humanity.

I find myself wondering what she would make of our present moment, with a pandemic sweeping the world. Certainly the virus would put her at even greater risk, both from direct infection with her compromised immune system, and from caregivers needing to quarantine themselves. But I think her first thought would be compassion and worry for all the rest of us. From her condition, she was already an expert in avoiding unseen but insidious micro-foes. She was also an expert in coping with isolation, uncertainty, risk, and worry. She would have much to teach us, much wisdom to share.