WOMAN TO WATCH

feature womantowatch

GABRIELA de Boer

LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE LAKE NORMAN COMMUNITY, A LEADER WHO IS PAVING THE WAY TO CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES AND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

DR. GABRIELA R. DE BOER GRAYSTONE EYE

on HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN A CIRCLE OF

STRENGTH: I was born in Puerto Rico and have one sister. We grew up in a very humble household, but we always had everything we needed. As a family, we enjoyed doing trips around the island to explore new places such as local beaches, lakes, festivals, and restaurants. Being outside enjoying the outdoors always brought me so much joy! All of my extended family lived close by and were predominately women, so I grew up with strong female role models.

on EDUCATION & EDIFICATION: Both of my parents are teachers and stressed the importance of learning. I went to private catholic school all of my life. There, I created many beautiful memories with life-long friends who are still in my world today. I went to the University of Puerto Rico for both college, where I majored in chemistry, and medical school.

on GROWTH & GRATITUDE: Two miscarriages and the birth of my child are two life events that changed my world completely. By experiencing miscarriages, I learned the real definition of pain. I never got to see or say hi to my babies, but I loved them dearly, and it hurt terribly to lose them. I still get emotional thinking about it today but it is a good example of how I cannot control everything in my life. I have to let go and allow things to happen according to God’s plan. I am so blessed with my son Javier Alejandro who is 7 months old and the light of my life. My husband keeps me grounded and grateful and my son is a steady reminder to stop and enjoy each moment and be truly present.

on SEEING THINGS CLEARLY: Towards the end of medical school, I had the opportunity to shadow an ophthalmologist and after seeing him evaluate patients with different clinical presentations, I had a sense that ophthalmology was my calling. I was fascinated at how such a small organ can be so complex and harbor so many different diseases. I also knew I wanted to help people preserve sight because by doing that I am able to give them the opportunity to fully admire all of life’s gifts.

on HAVING A HERO: The oldest of ten siblings, my dad grew up in a very poor neighborhood in Puerto Rico surrounded by violence, drugs, and dropouts. He decided that he wanted something better for himself so he went to college and became a teacher. He also joined the United States Army and was actually deployed when I was born. He worked so hard to provide a better quality of life for us. He taught me to wake up every day and be grateful. He taught me to work hard, persevere, and hope for a better future. He taught me that I can achieve anything and to be happy for other people’s successes. He taught me so many things … I am who I am today because of him. w

Dr. Gabriela R. de Boer is an ophthalmologist at Graystone Eye. With four locations (Hickory, Lenoir, Lincolnton, and Boone), they can be reached at 888.626.2020 or via their website at www.graystone-eye.com.

Accepting New Patients!

Family Medicine

Iredell Family Medicine is pleased to welcome Howard Suls, MD, to its Mooresville practice.

Dr. Suls has more than 35 years of experience and is board-certied in family medicine. He has worked in sports medicine for professional, collegiate, and high school teams, and has served as a medical director of nursing homes for over 20 years. He has a special interest in diabetic care, and encourages patients to live a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. “I strive to provide a collaborative approach with my patients. I take my role as their advocate very seriously.”

544 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC IredellFamilyMedicine.com 704-360-5190

LAKE NORMAN WOMAN'S ANNUAL

p i n k pages

A SPECIAL SECTION TO SPREAD HOPE & SUPPORT

DURING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES Examine yourself beyond feeling for irregular lumps, including but not limited to:

NIPPLE DISCHARGE LUMPING OR THICKENING SKIN TEXTURE CHANGE ARMPIT PAIN CHANGE IN HOW NIPPLE LOOKS

VISIBLE LUMP DIMPLING PULLED IN NIPPLE SKIN IRRITATION SKIN DIMPLING