A Journey of Hope and Gratitude: Henry’s Story
But when Henry was just 16 months old, our world was turned upside down. After a visit to the emergency department at »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois, Henry was diagnosed with Bilateral Wilms Tumors. Our hearts broke as we faced the reality of our son’s condition.
The incredible team at »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital immediately took action. Surgery was scheduled to place a port for Henry to begin his chemotherapy treatments. Through it all, the staff at »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital went above and beyond to care for Henry and our family. From providing toys to keep Henry occupied, to offering essential supplies like diapers and snacks, and even having »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò coworkers donate their paid time off, we were surrounded by love and support.
Henry's energy and spirit remained unshaken throughout his treatments. The »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children's Hospital Rooftop Respite Garden became a sanctuary for our family, and the hospital's wagons gave Henry the opportunity to wave at everyone as we strolled the halls – earning him the affectionate nickname "Mr. Mayor."
One of the most comforting moments for us came from »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò’s Jump Simulation Center. Through advanced virtual reality technology, we were able to see Henry’s tumors in a way that brought clarity and peace of mind. It was a powerful reminder of the cutting-edge care that »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital provides to families like ours.
Today, Henry is in remission, and our hearts are filled with gratitude. We often reflect on how fortunate our community is to have »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital as a resource for exceptional pediatric care. But we know that the journey doesn’t end here. More children will need the same level of care and compassion that Henry received, and that’s where your support makes a difference.
By giving to »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital, you can help provide lifesaving equipment, fund critical medical care, and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive. Your generosity helps create more miracles for children like Henry.
As a family, we are deeply thankful to the caregivers at »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital and everyone who supported us along the way. Today, Henry is thriving, and we continue to rely on »Ê¹Ú¶ÄÇò Children’s Hospital for his routine scans, ensuring he remains a strong and healthy little boy.