Alanna and I first met in middle school. I was the new kid at Bay Trail middle school in Penfield, NY and we immediately became best friends. We have literally been stronger than ever since then, 20 + years later. Distance, opposite schedules, highs, and lows have never separated our bond. If anything, we have grown closer over the years and grown to appreciate each other even more with each experience we have gone through as a team.
I have to say that Alanna has been one of the most supportive people in my life to date. She is there to cheer me on when I am low, and she is the first person ready to celebrate each and every success. She is part of the John family--baby sat my little brother in high school, Mama John considers her a daughter, she is just such an amazing friend, supporter, sister, and teammate. Unwavering, genuine, unconditional love from this woman.
Alanna first met Kojo in 2018 several days after Kojo and I took the boards. Being the selfless, supportive friend that she is, she visited me in Philadelphia the night of my written boards to celebrate with me. Kojo was in the Philadelphia area at that time as well. Kojo, Alanna and I hung out with friends, watched Power. After meeting Kojo that one time and interacting with both of us, I remember Alanna telling me "Tammy, I've known you forever, we have been through everything together, you and Kojo are made for each other". Kojo and I were just friends and we were so wrapped up in boards studying that we didn't really see it at that point. But Alanna knows me well, and is very protective over me, my happiness, and what I deserve. Her saying those words hit me hard. I didn't really believe her until I started realizing it myself! Alanna, I love you and appreciate you so much. I am honored to have you by my side on our special day. We love you!
I have known Keri since I met Alanna when I was 11 years old in Penfield. Keri Alanna and I were inseparable in middle school and beyond. We called (and still call) ourselves "OJB", after our last names "Omphroy, John, Branch" and performed in the yearly talent shows breaking it down on the stage as a trio. We thought we were cool but were far from it. It was just great having best friends who didn't care about looks, [lack of] money, or popularity--just enjoyed each other and grew together :)
All jokes aside, Keri is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. I have always admired her optimism, strong faith, and non-judgemental outlook on life experiences. She sees the good in everyone and has ALWAYS supported and encouraged me no matter what the situation. We have such a strong connection that has withstood so many stages in life--and we've been there for each other through it all. Keri is also part of the John Family and we have laughed together, cried together, prayed together.
When Keri first met Kojo, she had a similar reaction as Alanna. She was overwhelmed with genuine happiness that we both met our match--teammates, best friends, and low maintenance. It felt like Kojo had been part of our family all along! Additionally, Keri has a 1 year old son who just loves Uncle Kojo. With 20+ years of solid friendship and love, I am truly honored to have Keri by my side as I marry my true love!
Adjoa is Kojo's wonderful sister. I really do feel lucky because Adjoa is honestly the sister I never had. She is beautiful, genuine, loyal, fun, and LOVES her soca just like I do. I knew Adjoa and I would be close just after meeting her a couple of times. But there are 2 specific moments I will never forget that highlight why my new sister is an amazing woman, but also how I knew we would be besties. The first moment was on 10/3/2020, the birthday of Adjoa's (and little/big Kojo's) father, Victor Yaw Marfo. He had unfortunately passed away on 3/23/19 so the Marfo family was planning to visit Dr. Marfo's gravesite on his birthday. This was a very difficult and emotional day for the Marfo family, but I remember Adjoa telling me "Come Tammy, let's go pick out flowers for dad together", we drove to the grave site together, cried and prayed together, and then had a long heart to heart conversation about life, our similar upbringing, and the importance of letting our loved ones know that we love them because life is short. She is such a real person and I love this about her.
The second time I was reminded that we were meant to be sisters is when I was preparing to go to Grenada carnival with the John family in 2020. I think Adjoa and I were chatting and I mentioned that we were going to Grenada, which is where most of the John's are from, to play mass (aka go to Carnival as a family). Prior to this moment, I was completely unaware that Adjoa was as obsessed with soca as I was. She immediately said she would make herself available for her and her mom to join my family in Grenada for carnival. If it weren't for COVID, we would have all been feting as a family.
Adjoa is the best sister I could have asked for--smart, loving, family-oriented, fun, and best of all we get each other. I can't wait to make this official in October!
Dahlia and I have known each other since elementary school. She was the "new girl" in my catholic school ,many years ago. We were in the same grade, and I weirdly remember us realizing our families were both from Trinidad. We immediately appointed each other as "best friend", our families became good friends, and we were tied to the hip. I can't remember one childhood birthday party (of our's) that we weren't together, all through our childhood years. Our thing was always choreographing dances. That followed us from elementary/middle school to college.
The funniest story is that in high school. we went our separate ways. Still kept in touch, but being in separate high schools, it was difficult to see each other as much as we would have liked. I remember freshman year at Cornell, my parents were there for orientation. I was walking down one of the large Cornell hills and we randomly ran into Dahlia! I was so shocked but we both ended up at Cornell and had no idea. From that point on, we were together almost every day for 4 years. We connected even better than before because we were both student athletes, and both chose to go into medicine. Not only did we have similar goals, but we knew how to have fun--work hard, play much harder. Also we get each other. Dahlia and I were always mistaken for being sisters/twins. We have been through so many life's experiences together and are always there for each other. Again, as I reflect on our 20+ year relationship, I am so grateful for her friendship, support, sisterhood, and so many memories that have shaped who we both are today. Dahlia has always been very supportive of my and Kojo's relationship--always being a sounding board with her experiences in marriage. Kojo likes to bother her on the "houseparty" app, but she forgives him. Dahlia, I love you, I am proud of you, and I am honored to have you by my side on our special day <3.
Millicent (aka Milli) and I met in medical school at University of Rochester in 2009. We had a study group with 3 other people, and Milli would literally force me to understand concepts. I would be begging to just go to sleep, because at the end of the day pass = M.D. But she wasn't playing with me. She would make me go to the white board in our little group and write out concepts I wasn't familiar with until I got it. She was like this with EVERYONE in the group, but I had the worst memory so she was on me the most. This is Millicent--she will bend over backwards to make sure the people she cares about are taken care of.
Milli and I were close in medical school but we grew even closer after medical school, during residency in different cities and beyond. She was in NYC and I was in Connecticut during residency. When I was having tough times in residency and vice versa for Milli, we would meet up and spend a weekend together having fun, sharing stories, and motivating each other. Millicent is friends with so many strong amazing women who I have grown close with over the years as well. Milli likes to host events where 15/20 + of her friends come together and party, reflect, and share stories with no judgement so that each friend can learn from another's experience. These were some of the most memorable times I have had in my life. Millicent is really the glue that brings amazing people together so that we can grow, love, appreciate, and celebrate.
Millicent and I have shared so many successes, learning experiences, and fun times together. She is a genuine, understanding and giving friend who LOVES family, friend and SOCA as much as I do. Trinidad carnival 2020 was a vibe Milli! Remember our motto at carnival and for life: "Crush your goals, live your life, enjoy your loved ones (including your friends). Love you girl and can't wait to celebrate with you once again!
Nisha and I first met while playing national tennis when I was about 12 or 13 years old. I actually competed against Nisha's younger sister Nina, who was in my age division in the United States Tennis Association. Our families were friends--our dads would keep each other company while they were watching us play in national and regional tournaments. Nisha ended up playing for Cornell University. I remember when it was my turn to choose a college, I was being recruited by different colleges.
I will never forget my recruiting trip to Cornell--Nisha literally stepped in and took charge as my big sister and friend. She was in her sophomore or junior year at the time. I stayed with her, toured around the campus with her, partied with her (don't tell Mama John), she introduced me to all of her friends, and I just really felt like I would be with family if I chose Cornell--not to mention the premed opportunities. She really took me under her wing that weekend and promised to take care of me if I chose Cornell. The week after my recruiting trip hosted by Nisha, I told Cornell that I wanted to apply early decision as they were my first choice by far.
From the first day I set foot on campus, my friendship with Nisha continued to blossom into a true life-long bond and sisterhood. We were there for each other with the rigor of our tennis team responsibilities, pre-med school prep, life, etc. We would just show up at each other's places and make dinner, vent, laugh, whatever either of us needed. Fast forward almost 10 years later and we ended up at Yale together for a whole year! I was finishing up my residency and she did her 2 year endocrine fellowship there. Long story short Nisha and I have grown together over the years. We are sisters and I can't wait for her to celebrate with us in October!
Yemi and I initially met at Yale New Haven Hospital. Yemi was a 4th year orthopaedic surgery resident when I was a 1st year in the same field. I was immediately drawn to Yemi's calm and composed demeanor, but powerful presence at the same time. She is brilliant and selfless. I always used to claim Yemi as my chief on all rotations. I would stalk her class' yearly schedule and purposely try to choose the same rotations as Yems. She ended up being my chief resident on almost every rotation possible. I really appreciated how Yemi did everything in her power to teach me each lesson that she previously learned the hard way. The best part is that she wanted me to be the best surgeon and clinician I could be. My success was her success and this is what I love about her! Even now as I am on my own, I hear Yemi's voice in my head saying "Tam, let's cut that suture out--we can do better" :). Our trauma attendings called us "Yammy". We had our own trauma playlist which got us through, her neuroses became my neuroses, and I just loved her! No matter how tough residency got, we would always find something to laugh or smile about. Yemi went on to specialize in hand surgery and I did as well 3 years later. Yammy it is!
Fast forward to 5 years later, I was in my hand fellowship in Philly, and Yemi called to let me know her practice in Atlanta was looking to hire another hand surgeon. Again, being the selfless protective Yemi that she is, she told me exactly how to apply and immediately went to bat for me. I ended up interviewing with the group and falling in love with the practice. I was offered the position, and I largely thank Yemi for this. She is my sister, mentor, friend, and supporter. Yemi actually knew Kojo before I did, and has always been so supportive and excited about our relationship. I am honored to have Yemi by my side on our big day in October!
Abaka is my younger brother and by default has known me longer and better than any other male figure in my life. I've watched him achieve several accomplishments throughout his life and I've seen him attain a new level of maturity after our father passed away in March 2019. I've been very proud of the way he's been acting as the man of the house after my dad's passing and me being away for training/work over the years.
He met Tammy while she was in Philly and has grown to love her as a sister. Whenever I would come to visit while I was in fellowship in Ohio, he would usually drop me off at her place. He would know if something was wrong without me saying anything because I would ask to stay in his spare room instead of at her place. They've grown so close over the years that they even have a separate group chat in which they send each other incriminating photos of me.
He's probably single-handedly responsible for my turnaround in not taking Tammy for granted and making her more of a priority in my life. At his bachelor party of all places, we had a heart-to-heart conversation about his decision to get married to Maya, and I reflected on my own situation with Tammy. A few days later, I asked her to be my date to his wedding--despite her not being very happy with me, she agreed to come on short notice. A month later, I made her my girlfriend, and the rest is history. There's nobody that knows me better, and nobody else I'd rather have as my best man.
I've known Amir aka "Timid Tim" aka "Mac Mir" for over 20 years now. We met through our mutual friend, Long and we eventually formed our squad, C-Berry (a combination of the South Jersey neighborhoods we lived in; Cobblestone and Mulberry). We bonded over playing basketball all day long and partying all night long. One of the funniest moments with Amir was when he got tossed off of a camel in Egypt; luckily he didn't get hurt. We've maintained a deep friendship rooted by family and friends that has grown over the years. We've watched each other succeed, growing from fun-loving boys to responsible, family-oriented men. He met Tammy while she was in Philly for fellowship and he could instantly tell she was the one for me. I was a groomsman in his wedding to Sade in August 2019, and I would be honored to have my brother from another by my side as I embark upon this next chapter of my life.
I've known Rotimi aka "The Beast" since coming to DC in 2009. He, KC, Chris and I instantly clicked when we met at Howard for medical school, and we grew closer by the time we finished in 2013. Rotimi was definitely the class clown and didn't really have much of a filter, but that's what made him special. I remember a time when he asked my mom if she liked Tammy (before my mom even knew her that well), and another time he asked Tammy how many kids we wanted (I'm pretty sure it was the first time he met her)--all of this before I was even thinking about proposing. I was with Rotimi the day he met his eventual wife, Amede and she's been able to tame the beast a bit. He still has managed to maintain his personality though and has definitely showed more maturity after bringing his beautiful baby girl, Adelani into the world last February. I've watched their love blossom over the years and he's also watched the same for Tammy and I. I stood by his side as a groomsman in his wedding in 2018, and would be honored to have him by my side for my big day in October as well.
Tammy and I have both known Terry aka "Mr. Jasty" for over 8 years now. We all interviewed at Howard University Hospital for Orthopaedic Surgery residency on the same day. Terry and I did our residency together at Howard and grew closer over that same time period. He can correct complex pediatric spinal deformity, but for some reason he cannot pronounce "Marfo," he insists on calling me "Mofo." I do appreciate the daily funny memes he always sends me. I remember back when he first started dating Suneetha, and I watched as he fell in love with her. I remember asking when he was going to make her his wife and wasn't surprised it happened not long after. Terry was among the close group of friends at the board review course in Chicago when Tammy and I reconnected. He was such a huge fan of us getting together that Suneetha told us she had never seen Terry so excited before when he called her and told her about the sparks he saw between Tammy and I that night. After I proposed, the first engagement gifts we received were from the Jastys. I'd be honored to have him by my side as I make this union that he supported since the beginning finally official.
Chloé is Kojo's precious God daughter who Tammy also adopted as her God daughter :). We really love our Chlo-Chlo and look forward to our Facetime and in person visits with her. She is growing up so quickly and is already sassy, boss-like, loving, and is a busy body. The occasional mean mugs when aunty Tammy is doing too much on Facetime are the best. The days of male ring bearers are over! We saw it really fitting for our boss baby girl to be the person carrying the symbols of our life long commitment. Continue to shatter the barriers and expectations society sets. We love you baby Chloé!