Bethel Veterinary Technician Battles Leukemia

Sometimes it's very easy to write about something, and then there are times when the subject matter is so difficult, that your backspace and delete buttons seem to be getting more use than the rest of the keys on your keyboard. This is one of those difficult blogs.

If I had to write about Barry Solomon up until last week, this would be an easy task. The words practically write themselves. He is the kind of guy that when his name is mentioned, you stop, a smile comes across your face and your memory turns to something nice that he has done for you and you can’t help but think about what a wonderful dad he is to his 10-year-old son, Liam.

You may already know that I was a Vet Tech for many years. It’s the kind of job, like radio, that never leaves you. What I mean by that is that it is not just a career choice. It is part of who you are. It is an extension of yourself. There are many jobs that I have had over the years, but I have never been able to let go of radio or veterinary work.

Barry Solomon has been the head Veterinary Technician at Bethel Veterinary Hospital since 2011. He’s the guy who greets you with a warm smile, and cares about your pet as much as you do. I have inside information that he tells every single one of his patients “I love you,” yes, even the ones who aren’t exactly appreciating his care. Every single one! His heart is bigger than he is. He’s the kind of guy who will give up a Sunday to help the Doc’s friend with her cats. I know this because he did this for me.

Yesterday morning, I got a horrible text on my phone. It was from my good friend, Dr. Jim McNamara (it seems weird to call him a friend, he’s more like a brother to me). The text said, “Barry has leukemia” and there was a sad faced emoji next to those words. I literally froze. I pictured Barry in my mind. I could see his smile, his compassion and the warmth that he showed when my cats were in his care. I know he told them that he loved them as he pet their heads before they were spayed. I didn’t know how to reply. I knew that Jim was devastated by this news since he holds Barry in such high regard. Dr. Jim asked if I could share his Facebook post because they had started a GoFundMe page for Barry’s medical expenses.

I navigated over to the GoFundMe page and saw all the amazing comments that were spot-on about Barry. I was so happy to see all of the support for this wonderful human being with a heart of gold. In these days, where Kanye West can have such a page because his millions weren’t enough to support his lifestyle, I am more than proud to help support someone who truly deserves it.

Barry starts chemotherapy today. Please help me send some really good thoughts and prayers to him. God bless you, Barry Solomon. You have a community behind you sending you their love and best wishes. Now, go fight this thing and beat it to a pulp!

If you would like to help, click here for Barry Solomon’s GoFundMe page.

Listen to Linda G weekdays from 2-7pm on 105.5 FM, online at kicks1055.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.