Dr. Eck – A Champion of Children’s Health

This week’s Bright Side takes a different approach by highlighting someone who has administered life-saving care for the past twenty years. Doctor Cecelio Eck, affectionately known as Doctor Shrek, has dedicated his life to pediatric care, touching countless lives with his selflessness and compassion. From volunteering with medical organizations to treating daily patients at Coral Grove Medical Center, Doctor Eck’s dedication is widely recognized. In 2020, he faced a severe bout of Covid-19, and now, four years later, he battles stage four cancer. The public has rallied around him once again, offering unwavering support. We spoke with those who have experienced Doctor Shrek’s incredible kindness and service. Here are their stories.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Ten-year-old Khailyn Tillett has been under Dr. Eck’s care since birth. Like many of his young patients, her experience reflects a common sentiment. Dr. Cecilio Eck, known for his boundless energy, has an uncanny ability to capture the hearts of children the moment they step into his medical office.

 

Khailyn Tillett, patient

“One of my favorite days was a time when I went for a checkup  and he was being  really goofy with me and I got a lot of stickers and I got a lollipop.”

 

 

 

 

 

As a first-time mother a decade ago, Khailyn’s mother also felt an immediate connection with Dr. Eck. She recalls how comforting it was to reach out to him whenever she felt anxious about her baby’s health, finding reassurance in his acceptance and support.

 

 

 

 

Candice Joseph, Parent

“From day one, we were very comfortable with him. And being a first time mom, you know that we would have, like, so many questions. And I needed to have a pediatrician that I felt comfortable with. I could call him at any time, and he would not have problems. Any type of attitude, like I would start off by saying, you know, I’m sorry to be calling you this late. I know it’s a Sunday, but Kai has a fever or something is happening. He has a spin wheel of lollipops that he turns and it has like so many different options and the kids just light up right away when they see that. Then he has a book of stickers that he pulls out. I remember my daughter going and when she left the office, she had stickers like every part of her all over her face, all over her hands, and she didn’t even remember that she was feeling sick.”

 

For the past twenty years, Dr. Eck has dedicated himself to pediatric care.  At the Coral Grove Medical Center, his office creates a warm and welcoming environment for his young patients. His stethoscope, embraced by a stuffed animal, symbolizes the comfort he provides as he listens to the tiniest heartbeats. A shelf adorned with a figurine of Disney’s Shrek serves as a charming reminder of his nickname, Dr. Shrek, sparking joyful conversations with his patients. These touches are all testament to the sense of safety and trust that Dr. Eck fosters with every child he treats. Dr. Luis Chulin witnesses this magic on a daily basis.

 

Luis Chulin, Pediatrician

“I even asked Dr. Eck, what are the tricks? Because I want to learn how, how the kids love you so much. They even call him Dr. Shrek. Now, everybody knows Dr. Eck as Dr. Shrek. He has taught me how to deal with certain critical patients as well.  So, even though I have had some problems initially with dealing with certain types of patients, I would always call him and he would always be there to answer his phone for any other challenges that I might have had. So in any case, either be just a general check or an intensive care patient, he would always be available.”

 

Dr. Eck is also deeply involved in charitable work, assisting children and families who cannot afford medical care for severe illnesses. He serves as the Medical Director for World Pediatrics and the President of Friends of Pediatrics. Milagro Garel, of World Pediatrics, shares that Dr. Eck’s contributions are immeasurable.

 

 

 

Milagro Garrel, Country Director, World Pediatrics

“He refers the patients that need tertiary care that is not available otherwise in Belize. And he guides us and tells us whether that child can receive surgery through one of the teams here in Belize, or the child has to be referred to the region or to the U.S. We can say that on a daily basis, we are calling Dr. Eck 24/7 to the point where he has given so much of himself, where he was the only person that was accompanying every single patient on an airplane, on an air ambulance. Just bagging up, giving oxygen and supportive services on a commercial airline together with the mom to the States. He would go one day, come back the following day with loss of sleep and loss of income.”

 

It’s a lot to juggle, and recently, Dr. Eck’s lifelong dedication to caring for others has been interrupted as he fights for his own life. Just four years after overcoming a severe bout of Covid-19, he now faces a new battle with an unexpected diagnosis of stage four cancer.

 

 

 

Sabreena Daly

“What would you want the viewers to know about Dr. Eck as a person outside of the profession?  You mentioned he’s a friend.”

 

Luis Chulin

“Yes, he is a friend indeed. That Dr. Eck is always willing to help.  Even in cases that there is a need to go that extra mile, he will not do the extra mile, he would go ten miles for any patient.”

 

Candice Joseph

“I feel like he has done so much for Belize and for the children of Belize. He’s irreplaceable. He’s been at the K.H.M.H. so we have various different sectors experiencing his services and his expertise and having crossed paths with him either in the private or public sector.”

 

 

Milagro Garrel

“Dr. Eck is no millionaire. Lots of people have the perception that every physician is full of money, but not Dr. Eck. He does not have lots of funds or extra funds besides what COVID did to their pocket and to their income and financial status. So I believe that it was our responsibility and the least that we could do to at least try to assist him in some way to ask the community to come together for him because now it is the time to give back to someone who has given his entire life to the well-being of the children and the community of Belize.”

 

Dr. Eck has begun his fight against cancer by departing the country in search of medical answers from other practitioners abroad. At home, his community has started a powerful movement to support him through this costly journey. From organizing charitable donations to hosting events in his honor, everyone Dr. Eck has touched is rallying behind him. And the little people he has impacted are also pitching in, sending heartfelt words of encouragement and special prayers of healing. When we stopped at his office today, we even saw a special delivery dropped off from a patient named Austin. Like the rest of us, written on his letter is a resounding message.

 

Sabreena Daly

“What do you think people should know about Dr. Eck?”

Khailyn Tillett

“That he’s funny and kind, and I think that he’s going to get better soon.”

 

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.