Dr. Nicholas "Nicky" A. Cabal MD, MBS

Nicky was born on January 11, 1985 to Abraham and Norma Cabal in San Diego, CA. He earned a bachelor's degree in integrative biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2007. He earned a masters degree in biomedical science from Tufts University in 2014. He earned his medical degree from Creighton University in 2019. He was a pediatric resident at Loma Linda University Medical Center at the time of his death.

Nicky held a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community service, especially with underserved multicultural populations. Throughout college, he volunteered with Pilipino Academic Student Services (PASS) at the Filipino Education Center after-school program at Bessie Carmichael Elementary in San Francisco. During his third year of college, he served as Assistant Director for Recruitment for PASS, where he coordinated programs which encouraged and assisted K-14 students in their pursuit of higher education. In his fourth year of college, he served as Executive Director for PASS, where he acted as liaison between the organization and UC Berkeley administration, with oversight on recruitment and retention activities. In graduate school, he served as student senator in Tufts Public Health and Professional Degrees Student Government, where he advocated for campus diversity as a representative to the Multicultural Fellow Council and organized a successful fundraiser to support victims of Typhoon Haiyan. During medical school, he coordinated and led a medical mission trip to India with the Project CURA Student-Run Medical Mission Organization.

Nicky was a leader, not because he sought power, but because he was often the most reliable person for the job. Even after his term ended for different positions, he often took on a role as a mentor to ensure continuity and retention of institutional knowledge. Even years later, people still looked to him for advice.

Nicky cultivated many interests. He enjoyed many different musical styles, both to listen to and to perform. He occasionally practiced on a keyboard or strummed a tune on a guitar. He loved singing, especially karaoke with friends and family. When time permitted, he liked to visit Disneyland, travel, read, hike, rock climb, play trivia, watch sports, and play video or board games.

Nicky is survived by his parents; Abraham and Norma Cabal. He is also survived by his sister: Christine Culter and husband Chris, plus nephews: Terence, Alex, and Patrick.