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"Building Trust"

For Joey

My son, Joe, was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumor one week after his first birthday. The many pokes, X-rays, and hospitalizations he endured made him leery of strangers. He was not trusting of anyone outside of family, especially if they were dressed in white. But on the final day of his last hospitalization for chemotherapy, something wonderful happened. Joe and I had spent the entire week in Madison. It had snowed most of the time. I was unable to get out and attend to the car. I wasn't even sure it would start. For several months, a male nurse named John had been assigned to Joe for his week-long stays. I remember John as being a large guy. He could easily have been a starter for the Packers. As John administered the last chemo injection, we talked and I told him about my predicament with the car. John suggested that he could watch Joe while I attended to the car. Then ever so tenderly, he picked Joe up and place him on his shoulder so Joe could rest his head. With the IV pole in the other hand, they set off down the hall. Joe had finally let down his guard and placed his trust in John. To tell this story gives me the opportunity to thank all the caring nurses, doctors, and medical support staff who give that little extra special attention that means so much. Thanks.

Wilm's Tumor
Diagnosed at 1
Now 14

Reprinted with permission from the book "Kids with Courage."
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