I think they are probably some of the words that every parent dreads the most. I know for me, the mere thought of hearing that one of my children has cancer (or any serious illness) brings me to my knees. Before I was born my aunt and uncle lost a daughter to cancer when she was just a toddler. One of my best friends lost her brother to cancer- he fought for years as a teen. Just a few short weeks ago some friends found out their son, who is my daughter’s age, has cancer. I cannot begin to imagine the fear, pain, strength…uncertainty that one faces when the light of their life is diagnosed with a life threatening disease. I don’t even know how I would cope if I were in their shoes.
What I do know is that if my child were diagnosed with a life threatening, life changing disease that I would want the absolute best care for him or her. I know that I would want my child to be put first. That’s what Boston Children’s Hospital does. They put children first. With national centers for the brain, cancer & blood disorders, heart, orthopedic, and pediatric transplant they are caring for children around the world as well as at home in Boston.
While Boston Children’s Hospital is caring for kids from around the world, that’s not all they are doing. They are creating lasting memories with patients and their families. During a time in life that is filled with fear and uncertainty they are giving each family a unique experience. Families are sharing their stories, their experiences at Boston Children’s. It’s inspiring to read stories of promise, of hope and that Boston Children’s is giving that to families all over the world.
Credit: BCH Thriving Blog
To read some of the inspirational stories from families all over the world visit bostonchildrens.org/parent. One of my favorite stories is of the Liedtke family and their daughter Vivienne who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy just before her second birthday. They didn’t know they needed one but when an adorable little puppy lit up sweet Vivienne’s face they learned that a service dog can be so beneficial. Service dogs can help children with socializing, becoming more independent, and confident. Vivienne’s dog Mika is wonderful for her. You can read more about the Liedtke’s story and about the benefits of service dogs at http://thriving.childrenshospital.org/vivienne-milka-service-dog-brings-smile/.
If you have a story of your own about BCH they want to hear your story too. So do I. Stories like these shared on BCH, stories like yours, can be the hope that another family needs to get through a terrifying time in life. Until every child is well, BCH will be there.
Thank you to BCH for inspiring today’s post.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I can’t imagine if my child is diagnosed with an illness. I’m glad there’s a facility like Boston Children’s Hospital.
Tonya C says
Yes, I pray all the time for health for my family. I can only imagine what is is like for parents who have to face the reality of a child with an illness. Glad to know these hospitals are out there! Praying for them.
Alyssa C says
It always breaks my heart hearing about little ones being sick. It makes me thankful to have such healthy daughters and we are always sure to give back and donate when we can.
Claudia Krusch says
I can’t even imagine having to deal with a child’s with an illness. I’m so glad there are such great treatment centers that give their patients and families their best.
Rosey says
Yep every parent wants their child put first. I’m glad to hear that’s a given at Boston Children’s Hospital! It’s such a relief when you can feel that way in a hospital setting.
HilLesha says
It always breaks my heart whenever I hear about a child having a cancer. Cancer is such a cruel disease that doesn’t discriminate anyone. I personally haven’t lost any child family members to this disease, but I did lose an aunt (breast cancer and eventually brain cancer) and uncle (leukemia).
Ron says
Thanks for sharing this article. Heartbreaking to see or read that there are lots of children suffering. The good thing is, there are organizations out there dedicated to help them out until they are well.
April Mims says
I can’t even imagine having to deal with a child’s illness. I’m so glad there are such caring and compassionate treatment centers that give their patients their best.
Tiffany @ Daily Leisure says
I can never read posts like this. it is so heartbreaking! I have always cared about children (even when *I* was a child), but now that I have my own children I just cannot fathom going through an illness with my child.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I was a Ronald McDonald House Blogger Brand Ambassador and got to visit several of their houses in both Chicago and the one here local to me in NYC, there is nothing more heart breaking and gut wrenching than seeing a child who is sick and helpless! While I am not a parent my heart went out to all the families we met. I was also impressed with how comprehensive Chicago’s Children’s Hospital was. I love the idea of service dogs, they are so helpful for children, those with disabilities, and as rehabilitation for inmates who are incarcerated as well.
Bonnie @wemake7 says
I get sad when I hear about when kids go through bad things. Thank you for sharing this though.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I can not imagine what it must be like to feel so helpless when your child is so sick. Service dogs can be a life changer for people.
ashleigh says
This is so touching. I feel for these little kids and their families. It is great to know who is out there trying to help.
Diana Villa says
God bless all those beautiful children and their families! Praying for them <3
Lynndee says
I can’t imagine my son being sick too. My heart breaks for families who have to endure the pain. I can only pray.
Up Run for Life says
Awww this story makes me so sad. Cancer is horrible but when it affects a child it’s even worse. I couldn’t imagine losing one of my kids.
As a chronic pain suffer, I can attest to the comfort that a dog can bring. There are days where I feel horrible and my dogs will come to snuggle or give me kisses. It’s like they know. While it doesn’t make the pain go away but it is a reminder that they love me regardless.
Mimi Green says
This breaks my heart, I’ve had to deal with my mother having cancer and that was tough enough. I can’t even deal with the thought of my babies having it. Anything that makes them feel the slightest better is alright with me.
MyTeenGuide says
Cancer is terrifying and it would certainly break the parents’ hearts to know that their child has cancer. I’m glad BCH is here to help these children. Around this time last year, we found out my brother has cancer. It was heartbreaking and I didn’t sleep for days.
ricci says
I work at a hospital and don’t like to see anyone of any age go through cancer diagnosis, treatment, or any part of it. I am glad there are places like Boston’s Children Hospital to treat kids.
JanetGoingCrazy says
I cannot even imagine my child getting this sick or losing my only child. Boston Children’s sounds like a great place to be if you have a child in need.
Rebecca Swenor says
This is indeed a bitter sweet topic. Prayers go out to all the children and their families. My ex-husband’s brother lost a 8 month old son E. J. to Leukemia a few years ago. We do a bake sale for childhood cancers in his honor every year. I think it is a beautiful thing what Boston Children’s Hospital does for the children as well as their families. It is so important for parents to know they are not alone in what they are going through. Thanks for sharing.
Terri Ramsey says
I’m so glad that there is a Boston Children Hospital to ease those children that sick, I don’t wanna hear or seeing like this, but in that way there is a inspirational side of BHC Stories.
Maurene says
It is sad to hear of kids getting sick. It’s really heart-breaking. Thankfully, there are people who have the beautiful heart to take care of them.
Miles L. says
It is really heart-breaking to hear children diagnosed of life-threatening disease at a very young age. I believe BCH is doing a great job taking care of these children.
rika says
It’s breaking my heart when I hear about sick kids. They deserve to be happy 🙁
Liz Mays says
I just can’t even begin to imagine. I’m all for supporting any institution that works to heal our sweet children.
Melissa says
Obviously it’s hard to hear about kids being sick but awareness is so important. It’s great that there is support out there!
Kiwi says
This touched my heart. I hate to hear of sickly children but so happy there is a platform to share their little stories.
lisa @bitesforbabies says
I can’t even imagine how hard this would be for parents to go through…watching their little ones suffer!
lisa says
As much as I hate knowing that there are so many sick kids out there, it is nice to know there are great children’s hospitals. We have Lurie Children’s hospital here in Chicago and it is fantastic.
Megan Elford says
Children with life-threatening illnesses go through so much that they shouldn’t have to! It’s great to hear how BCH is doing all they can to make things easier for them!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
It breaks my heart to know that there are kids out in the world who are SO sick. I can’t even imagine my kids going through anything like these kids have had to go through.
Jeanette says
Kids should never have to be sick. They are so innocent they don’t deserve anything, but sweet things and fun things. I am glad to hear this hospital does such a good job with kids.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I hate to hear about sick kids. It breaks my heart and makes me thankful my kids are healthy!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This is such a heartwarming post. I feel so sad when I hear of a child with a life threatening disease. I mean, how can you explain to a child why they have to deal with pain? Thank you to BCH for helping these children cope with their illnesses and for the support you provide to their parents.