In March of 2021, my then 6 year old son, Gavin, was diagnosed with leukemia (B-cell ALL) at Children's Hospital Minneapolis. Despite all of the procedures, lumbar punctures, chemotherapy infusions, appointments, masking, hospital stays, ER visits, medications, side effects, and hair loss, Gavin was able to move through treatment honestly feeling as though cancer wasn't so hard at all. Gavin is now 11 years old, and is only now starting to process how serious cancer can be, in large part because he reflects on the positive memories of his time at the hematology/oncology clinic. 

This was only possible from the caring, supportive staff that helped Gavin feel like he can be himself, give him control over the decisions he could control, and with treatment masked as play. He doesn't have memories of weekly lumbar punctures - he has memories of playing the animal guessing game with Child Life.

Ever since Gavin has finished treatment (May 2023), my family and I have been looking for the best way to give back to the community that really helped us when we needed it most. I'm honored to be asked to be a part of this team, and cannot wait to help give back to Children's Hospital!