As a young boy, Aron Baires had a passion for sports. However, no matter how hard he tried, activities that required any sort of coordination were impossible for him to accomplish. Aron’s parents were comforted by the fact that their son only had a lack of ability and not a physical malady.

Then, when Aron was 17, he fainted and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Because he and his family lived in Honduras, lack of medical expertise failed to diagnose what was actually happening — a tumor was steadily growing on Aron’s brain stem. Nevertheless, he was released from the hospital with the advice to get more rest.

A New World

For several years, life progressed normally for the Baires’ family. Aron graduated from high school and began work on a college degree. As he was completing his bachelor’s degree in science, his application for a U.S. visa was approved. So in 1992, Aron and his family moved to Los Angeles.

“My dream was to join the Army and someday become a pilot,” recalled Aron. “I went through rigorous testing and was accepted. However, just as I was preparing to leave for basic training, my life turned upside down.”

Aron fainted again, but this time things were different. By the time he reached the hospital, his condition had become critical. There was bleeding in his brain and the emergency medical team diagnosed an aneurysm. The episode left Aron completely paralyzed and unable to speak. He was given a year to live.

A Shattered Dream

It may have been Aron’s tenacity and will to live or his mother’s faithful prayers, but death was not to claim him. For nearly a year he was hospitalized while undergoing aggressive physical therapy. Although he regained some of his speech he was still unable to walk when he was discharged to his home.

Entering the house that once held so many hopes and dreams now seemed to mock his misfortune. The reality of his situation settled upon him like a nightmare from which he could not wake. A sense of helplessness invaded his life, and Aron was overwhelmed with depression. He could not imagine going through life as a cripple.

“I attempted to take my own life several times,” said Aron. “I wanted to end my misery, but I never succeeded. So I just stopped caring. Just stopped feeling. I got to a point where I didn’t care if I lived or died.”

As the months passed, Aron and his doctors were amazed at what appeared to be signs of progress. Aron even regained his ability to stand on his own. However, just when things began to look up, Aron’s doctors discovered the true cause of his illness — a ruptured tumor on his brain stem. Because of its location, surgery was not an option. If Aron were to have any chance of survival, treatment would have to begin immediately.

With his life once again in turmoil, Aron decided to approach his reality in a new way. He began taking classes in computer science — a decision that would change the course of his life.

A Ray of Hope

Over the next seven years, Aron studied diligently, earning both an associate's degree in computer science as well as a DBA (Data Base Administrator) certificate, all the while undergoing intense treatment for his tumor.

When his treatment was completed, Aron’s doctor encouraged him to put his education to practice through volunteer work. There was nothing more that could be done for him medically, and his prognosis wasn’t good. Following the urging of his physician, Aron began to explore places where he could utilize his skills. His treatments had brought him to White Memorial Medical Center (WMMC), and he remembered how kind everyone there had been. Perhaps the hospital would accept him and give him a chance.

Life at a hospital is always busy with not enough resources to go around. Paul Crampton, director of chaplaincy services at WMMC, was working on an ambitious project building a leadership development system. A key aspect to this system was the creation of a complex database. Unfortunately, there was no one at the hospital who had the knowledge to build such a program, and outside agencies wanted to charge more than Paul’s budget could afford. With good reason, he determined the project was doomed. Then Aron showed up.

“I remember our first meeting so clearly,” recalled Paul. “Aron told me that he knew how to build databases, but not one as complex as I needed. However, he vowed to me that he would give it his best shot.”

There was something about Aron’s sincerity that intrigued Paul and made him believe that Aron could indeed accomplish what seemed like an impossible task. And so Aron began his work at WMMC.

Paul soon discovered that Aron had immense talent and knew how to apply it. He worked hard and found joy in his accomplishments. Over the next few months, Aron’s demeanor began to change — it was obvious that he found meaning in his work and for the first time in years found meaning in living. Soon Aron’s role changed from volunteer to consultant, and he began to see financial results for his hard work.

“It was my dream to finish school and get a job,” said Aron. “When that dream finally came true, I knew I could die a happy man!”

A Life Renewed

More than a year has passed since Aron began working at WMMC. Recently, at a weekly meeting with Paul, he arrived with an unusual twinkle in his eye.

“Yesterday I received the results of my six-month check-up,” he proclaimed to Paul. “They told me my tumor is shrinking. My doctor says he believes that working at WMMC is healing me!”

Caught up by the emotion, Aron swallowed hard and, looking up with eyes clouded by tears of joy, concluded, “For the first time, Paul, I can plan for the future.”