Leukemia survivors reunite at medical school and 102-year-old shines on baseball diamond
"Dear David" Episode: The reunion of leukemia survivors at medical schoolIn the heart of Los Angeles, three generations converge—a 102-year-old baseball player, a leukemia survivor, and their childhood friends. The episode is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of David Begnaud, the host of *CBS News Today*, as he shares moments with his two children whose parents had been affected by leukemia.
### The Life & Music of Two Children
Ellie Koerner, now a student at the University of California-San Diego, grew up in a tiny town where her father was struck by leukemia. Like her older brother, she remembered their father’s struggle and remembered him fondly when he passed away. Ellie started attending medical school after she was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for her parents’ medical work. Her grades were challenging, but she knew she would do her best to serve both her family and the world.
Dawson Nailor, a 10-year-old at the time, had been in an abusive relationship and grew up with his parents who were also affected by leukemia. His memory of his father was broken, yet he remembered him as someone brave and kind. After high school, he attended California State University Fullerton, where he planned to study public health but realized that his passion would eventually lead him to medical school.
### The Reunion
In an episode titled *"Dear David,"*, the hosts shared their memories of their childhood leukemia survivors. The reunion was held at medical school on February 14, 2023. During a lecture in the classroom, David posed a question: “What would the world be like if you were still alive?” To his surprise, both students replied with heartfelt answers.
Ellie Koerner shared her story of growing up to embrace her father’s journey, while Dawson Nailor expressed the strength and resilience he had developed despite being left behind. Their parents, now deceased but remembered fondly, shared a moment from their childhood when they were playing baseball with the team that had been working hard all along.
### The Event at the Baseball Diamond
David hinted to his son and daughter as they stood in the stands late that beating Beatrice Stieber would be their next goal. The 102-year-old, known for her agility and grace, caught a curve on a hit ball and began running toward home plate. David watched them with a mix of pride and admiration, remembering how both their parents had come from the same place—leukemia.
Both Ellie and Dawson looked up in time to catch a single strike before beatrice sent a wild pitch. The game was already well underway, but their connection remained special. From that moment on, they became part of David’s lecture room, sharing stories of their father and the strength of their families.
### What It Means
The episode is a tribute to the memory of two children who have become a family in medical school. Their lives were书写ed with leukemia as parents, but now they are united by shared memories, love, and determination. The hosts also reflect on how these survivors continue to serve their families and communities, much like their father did.
In “Dear David,” *CBS News Today* continues its coverage of leukemia survivor stories, celebrating the life of a man who kept his family’s legacy alive through his actions. As they stand at the base of the diamond, beating beatrice, the hosts honor these young men and all the others affected by their families’ journey.
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