When my dad was just two years old, he drank Drano. His life was saved by Dr. Gabriel Sabcha—a name that would later become part of mine.

Now, as a parent to a toddler myself, I can’t even imagine that kind of moment. I’ve heard the story from my dad’s four sisters, my grandparents, and even members of Dr. Gabe’s family. Every version held the same core elements, and without realizing it, those details began to shape who I am today.

The most consistent theme was courage. I know it wasn’t easy to elect a higher-risk surgery—one that ultimately gave my dad a normal life, leaving only a scar on his stomach that, as kids, we jokingly called his “second belly button.”

My grandfather Ray, though, wouldn’t call it courage. He’d call it faith.

One of my favorite parts of the story is what happened afterward. For years following that surgery, every time it snowed, my grandfather would quietly shovel Dr. Gabe’s driveway late at night and again in the morning. He didn’t want snow to ever slow him down in case another child needed help. Grandpa didn’t just believe in gratitude—he lived it. 

These events from 1968 still shape me. Through school, sports, relationships, and now parenthood, I’ve learned that showing up each day with courage, faith, and gratitude is a kind of superpower.

Today, my work at Braintrust is the perfect arena to activate those values with the neuroscience of decision-making to create momentum, connection, and impact—one conversation at a time.