In June 2020, at 43 years old, Dr. Nadia Chaudhri, a Montreal neuroscience professor, was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer. That fall, she went through chemotherapy but was told the following spring the cancer would be terminal.
While she was in the hospital, Chaudhri drafted a GoFundMe pitch to help fund travel for young scientists — particularly those who are marginalized or underrepresented in the field — to be able to attend the Research Society on Alcoholism's annual conference. On the first day, she raised $50,000 US. The campaign has since generated more than $212,000 US.
"I was thinking a lot about my future," Chaudhri told CBC in April, shortly after creating the fund. "I realized I'd have to shut down my lab. And I realized the thing I would really miss is my ability to advocate for and promote young scholars in my field."
Nadia Chaudhri may be dying, but part of her legacy will be to have shown us another way to live. (CBC)
This is just a snippet of Dr. Chaudhri’s story. She has inspired thousands including me and my brother. She refers to her husband and son as the moon and sun, respectively, and this comic is for her and her family. My brother and I have created hundreds of comics. This one is, by far, my favorite.
May we all be blessed with her kindness and love.
Swipe to see Chloe and Diggy’s finished drawing.
