Have you ever stopped to think about the impact and importance of celebrating your birthday with the ones you love? As we grow older, sometimes the excitement of celebrating birthdays can fade. Imagine celebrating your birthday like you’re seven years old again. Full of joy, excited for the year ahead, doing something you love with the ones who make you smile. Leah’s* birthday celebration reminded me to fully embrace and celebrate each birthday, and every day in between. Every day and every year are gifts!
Six-year-old Leah has been a patient since 2019. She has a progressive demyelinating disorder of her central nervous system which affects her brain, spine and optic nerves. Leah is legally blind. She began intensive monthly IV treatment in February 2020 and she responded very well. Following treatment, she was stable and making great progress. Then, last summer her health began to decline.
Leah went to the ER in early December with progressive weakness in her legs and arms and worsening vision. The plan was for her to get a port and re-start monthly IV treatments as soon as possible. Her birthday was quickly approaching in mid-December. The pediatric team wanted to do something special for her and her mother to lift their spirits. We wanted to celebrate her extraordinary life and show them how much they are loved and cherished. The team organized a surprise birthday tea party complete with cupcakes, presents, and a princess dress for Leah. Grace was full of laughter, smiles, joy, love and some heartfelt tears. While Leah still has a long road ahead of her, we wanted her to know that we are with her every step of the way.
Providing care for my patients and their families is one of the greatest honors of my life. Being able to celebrate with Leah and her mom was a privilege, truly a gift from God. While encouraging patients facing critical health challenges is not necessarily part of a typical medical appointment, it is at Grace. A person’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing is just as important as other aspects of their health. We are blessed to celebrate life every day and are reminded that we shouldn’t wait for a milestone to make it extra special. Every day matters – from our first to our last.
As we approach our 13th birthday at Grace, we continue to provide comprehensive, high quality health care to those in need in our community. We can’t do this without the generosity of supporters like you. We ask that you consider making a donation to Grace Medical Home, whether it is a one-time gift or a monthly contribution. Thanks to the generosity of The Martin Andersen - Gracia Andersen Foundation and an anonymous donor, your gift will be matched up to $100,000 in honor of our 13th birthday! Every dollar counts and truly makes a significant difference in the lives of our patients.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It means the world to us and to patients like Leah.
Blessings,
Michelle Cash, MSN, CPNP, APRN
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
*Patient’s name changed to protect her privacy.
