The recent devastating wildfires in Southern California forced thousands to evacuate their homes, including Dr. Ravi Salgia, Chair of Medical Oncology at the renowned City of Hope cancer center. This is the story of how a family’s harrowing escape from the flames led them back to the hospital, not as patients, but as helpers in a time of crisis.
A Close Call: Escaping the Path of the Fire
On a Tuesday evening, as the Salgia family watched news reports of encroaching wildfires, a chilling discovery turned their world upside down. Dr. Salgia’s wife, Deborah, noticed an eerie red glow outside their Pasadena home. Upon investigating, she found the horrifying truth: a neighboring house was ablaze, and the fire was rapidly descending towards their property.
With mere minutes to spare, the family grabbed essential documents – passports and marriage certificate – and fled in separate cars, staying connected via cell phones. The fear of losing everything was palpable. “We didn’t have any time to pack,” recalls Dr. Salgia. “We left and we didn’t know where to go.” Navigating through treacherous, smoke-filled roads with falling trees and nearly 100 mph winds, they eventually reunited at a hotel in Arcadia.
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Image: The wildfire as seen from Dr. Salgia’s Pasadena home.
A Higher Calling: Returning to City of Hope Amidst the Chaos
Just as they found temporary safety, a text message summoned Dr. Salgia to an emergency meeting at City of Hope. While his family remained at the hotel, Dr. Salgia rushed to the hospital, driven by a profound sense of duty to his patients. “We have to make sure our patients are safe,” he explains. His wife, Deborah, a recently retired bereavement counselor from the hospital, and their daughter, Sabrina, a senior medical student and former occupational therapist, followed shortly after, unwilling to leave him alone. “Dad, we’re not going to leave you,” they declared, offering their assistance.
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Image: Another view of the approaching wildfire from the Salgia residence.
From Fear to Action: Protecting Patients and Facing the Unknown
Upon arrival at the hospital around 2:30 a.m., Dr. Salgia immediately joined the nursing staff to assess the situation. They prioritized patient safety, identifying those who were critically ill and making arrangements for the discharge of those stable enough to leave, minimizing the risk of exposure to the fire or a potential evacuation.
As the fire raged outside, visible from the hospital windows, Dr. Salgia remained focused on his mission. “My goal was to say, ‘How can we make sure our patients and their families are safe?’ That’s why I came to work.” He credits the hospital staff’s teamwork, faith, and ultimately, a shift in the wind, for preventing a catastrophic outcome.
A Family United by Service and Love
Dr. Salgia’s dedication to his patients reflects a deep-rooted family value of caring for others. With both daughters, Sabrina and Meghan (a psychiatry resident), and his son, Nicholas (an MD-PhD student), following in his and his father’s footsteps in the medical field, the Salgia family embodies a commitment to service. The fact that his wife and daughter chose to join him at the hospital during the crisis underscored the importance of family unity and love in the face of adversity. “We cared about making sure no lives were lost,” he emphasizes.
The Aftermath: Uncertainty and Hope
Days later, Dr. Salgia continued working at City of Hope, still uncertain about the fate of his home. While satellite images suggested it might be standing, he remained cautiously optimistic. He attributes this glimmer of hope to his wife, who had insisted on replacing their roof with a fireproof one just a month prior.
A Community’s Resilience: Rebuilding and Healing Together
The wildfires left a trail of devastation, but amidst the loss, stories of resilience and community spirit emerged. Dr. Salgia’s experience exemplifies the power of human connection and the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals to their patients. While the healing process will undoubtedly be long, Dr. Salgia believes that the community will recover by standing together. “We together will survive better than individually,” he affirms. The Salgia family’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, community, and selfless service, especially during times of crisis.
