Iván Vidal González: Family
Prepared by Iván's cousin, Venessa Scrivano, on behalf of his extended family
Ivan Gabriel Vidal is "Google-able". For those unfamiliar with the term "Google-able", it generally signifies that a person is fairly important if you can type their name into a Google search engine and come up with pictures, articles, or sites that include said person. Ivan is one such important person. And when you Google his name, among the first search results it will produce is his profile on Ciencia PR.
It's an intriguing read to say the least. From the perspective of someone uninvolved in scientific research, it sounds positively daunting; he was a neurobiologist studying Fear Extinction with the ultimate goal of helping patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. To his family, however, this was an expression of an innate trait ñ an understanding he seemed to have of fearlessness ñ and more surprising to those of us who were blessed to know him was his casual regard for his own nobility and bravery. We never foresaw the manner in which this understanding would manifest in his fearless actions to transform him from an extraordinary individual to a hero. But does it surprise us? Not in the slightest.
Ivan expressed the kind of bravery that doesn't come easily to most. He was not a fighter in the pugnacious sense; on the contrary, one of his cousins described him as "sweet and kind and easy on the eyes", which he was. He demonstrated the persistence, commitment, and dedication of one who fights or strives towards a goal, is fierce in loyalty, and great in heart if not in stature. Ivan was forward thinking in all areas of his life, evolving intellectually at the same time as he drew strength and inspiration from his relationships with others ñ a notion validated by his involvement in the Ciencia PR community. He understood the value of friendship and family, and his magnetic personality would not only bring him into contact with other brilliant minds, but instantly ensnare them as new familial companions. For his family, this simply meant that he was easy to love.
Easily one of the brightest minds among us, Ivan was uncommonly humble. Being around him often meant that you would walk away feeling like a better version of yourself; smarter and undeniably happier. Though he only lived to his mid-20s, he had already been the catalyst for many to grow emotionally and intellectually, whether they were his students, his colleagues, or his own relations. And the amazing thing is that, whether or not it was his intent, it did not require any forced effort on his part to incite that spark within us. Ivan lived with purpose. For him, it wasn't work to motivate others.
It would be easy to succumb to bitterness over what has happened, but it helps to ease the ache to realize how much he had accomplished before he left. The world is better because Ivan was in it, and this is a truth known by those who loved him that no amount of Googling will ever qualify. Fearless in life, immortal in death, Ivan's legacy and commitment to humanity will live on in our minds and hearts as well as in the science community.
"Imagine being in the care of such a compassionate physician. Or the discoveries and advances in diagnosis and treatment he would have made driven by his love for his fellow man. The angels in heaven will be wearing shades as this bright new angel makes his ascent."
- "Cookie" Rodriguez, Ivan's cousin.
