I Can Do All Things...: May 2016

Tonight I had the honor of playing at the first annual Shriners Gala. I had so much fun playing the piano and seeing some of my doctors, nurses and therapists.

As we sat and listened to the different speakers during the program, I couldn't help but think of how thankful I am for Shriners Children's Hospital in the Twin Cities. I have been a patient at the hospital since I was 6 months old. It wasn't until we went to Shriners that Mom and Dad were given any hope that I would be able to walk and be a "normal" child. I have thoroughly enjoyed going to Shriners over the years. Shriners isn't just a children's hospital, it is a family of caregivers and patients all working together to better the lives of disabled children. If it weren't for the Lord's mighty hand in my life and the way He has used the doctors and nurses at Shriners, I don't know where I would be today. Over the last 18 years I have had 21 surgeries done by the doctors and surgical staff at this wonderful hospital and through each one of these surgeries, the whole staff has not only taken care of me medically but they have taken care of me emotionally as well. They don't see me as just another medical case, they see me as a normal person.

Tonight I felt very special when I had mentioned to a couple of my doctors that I wanted to get pictures taken with them and after the program was done, they came and found me to get these pictures taken. They went out of their way just to make sure I got those pictures. I am so thankful for not only what Shriners has done for me medically but how loving and caring the whole medical staff has been over the years.

I sure am going to miss the doctors, nurses, therapists, x-ray technicians and all the other medical staff. Yes, I will enjoy not having to go to the doctor all the time but, through Shriners, I have gained another family. A family that has helped me grow into who I am today.

How do I adequately thank such a wonderful team of caregivers that have done so much for me? A simple "thank you" just doesn't seem enough. But, because I do not know how else to put it, I want to say "thank you."

Thank you to my doctors who have performed surgeries and have kept pushing me to be a normal child.

Thank you to the nurses, both outpatient and inpatient that have been there for me...especially those night crew nurses who have had to deal with crabby me.

Thank you to the orthodics department and for their expertise in making my foot splints and shoe inserts.

Thank you to the therapists who have worked with me to restrengthen muscles and who have helped me figure out how to do even the simplest things like brush my hair.

Thank you to the child life specialists...all the crafts, games and movies that have kept me busy while in the hospital.

Thank you to the surgical team for getting me through all my surgeries.

Thank you to the kitchen staff for all the healthy meals that have helped me regain my strength after surgery.

Thank you to the women's auxiliary for providing all my walkers, crutches and wheelchairs.

Thank you most of all for all your love and support and for pushing me to be a normal kid.

Here are some pictures of me with my nurses, doctors and therapists. Enjoy!

Dr. Smithwright & I

(the head pediatrician in the IPCU)

Nancy & I

(one of the nurses in the IPCU)

Lena & I

(She used to be an IPCU nurse when I was little. After every surgery, she would bring around her bag of fingernail polish and paint all the girl's nails.)