Dear Mark,
As a pediatric oncology nurse, I have the privilege of meeting the most amazing children and families. Today, I am writing to tell you about one special little 2-year-old whose name is Benny who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. His journey began this past March with a simple ear infection. When it didn’t get better even after multiple rounds of antibiotics and several visits to the pediatrician, Benny was sent to East Georgia Hospital for further bloodwork and x-rays. As Benny and his parents were walking to their car, they received a call from their pediatrician telling them to go straight to the emergency room at the Children’s Hospital of Savannah and to make sure to pack an overnight bag.
Benny was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and over the next few days, was officially diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Since Benny and his family received this life-changing news, Benny has spent countless days in the Children’s Hospital undergoing all kinds of scary procedures -- blood draws, lumbar punctures, chemotherapy, and various other treatments that no child should ever have to experience. Last month, Benny had to be admitted to the children’s hospital for a 28-day chemotherapy infusion, which he will have to repeat again in January.
But Benny has stayed his “happy go lucky” self through all of it. He is always looking for a reason to be happy and is almost always smiling. He loves playing outside with his older brothers and pretend cooking in his play kitchen. Benny’s favorite shows are “Bluey” and “Blippi.” His favorite movies are the “Winnie the Pooh Heffalump” and “The Sword and the Stone.” He absolutely loves dinosaurs, trucks, trains, and construction equipment. When Benny is lucky enough to be home with his family and not in the hospital, he loves chasing the dog outside and singing Blippi songs at top volume.
Due to Benny’s strict chemotherapy and treatment regimen, Benny’s mom and dad have not been able to work, which has been especially hard financially. The medical bills are piling up. To make his holiday bright and because Benny has spent so much time in the hospital and indoors, he hopes for a wooden swing set with a slide, so he can spend some time in the sunshine. He would also love a wooden train and track set. Benny has three older brothers – Eoghan, Booker, and Joseph. Though they are not always able to stay with Benny through his hospital admissions but are always cheering their brother on and supporting him. This holiday season, Joseph wants a Minecraft RC Creeper and Booker would love a Dragons of Stormwreck Isle D&D starter set.
Benny’s oldest brother Eoghan has recently started an internship with a carpenter and would love a Makita Plunge router so he can pursue carpentry on his own time. Although mom and dad would never ask for anything for themselves, I know they would love gift cards from Hobby Lobby, Lowe’s, Target, and Books-A-Million) or restaurants like Green Truck Pub, El Sombrero, Dolans BBQ, and Eggs Up Grill. Mom also mentioned that they would really love to have a computer for the house because all the children are homeschooled, and they don’t have access to one. Having a laptop or a computer at home would certainly make things easier for this amazing family.
Christmas is going to be different for Benny and his family this year, but thanks to you and your generous listeners I know it will be a special one. All of us here at the Children’s Hospital are so thankful for everything you do for our oncology patients every holiday season. It really means everything to see patients like Benny smile! Merry Christmas!
Mary Crider, RN
Pediatric Hematology Oncology
Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah
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