Our patients

Bobby was adopted in 2002. Immediately after birth, he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a cancer normally not found in infants. Doctors sent him to Children's Hospital, where he received chemotherapy at 3 weeks of age. He received a bone marrow transplant at 4 months. His donor was his 7-year-old birth sister. Because his was a rare case, the team consulted with physicians from around the world to provide the best care for "Baby Bobby." His parents recall meeting many patients from around the country and felt fortunate they had Children's Hospital right in their backyard.
	Sara learned she had the genetic trait for sickle cell when her oldest daughter passed away from the disease. Because of the heart-breaking experience, Sara came to the Children's Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic for genetic testing prior to having Demaray. When Demaray was born with the same disease that had afflicted his sister, the staff at Children's Hospital worked with Sara on early treatment and education. Today, 5-year-old Demaray doesn't mind coming to the hospital for his once-a-month transfusions because the staff keep him entertained. Sara is happy that the treatment they receive keeps little Demaray doing the things he loves, like playing kickball and reading books.
Emily was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 8 years old. The pediatricians who referred her to Children's Hospital were confident the doctors in Milwaukee would provide the care she needed. After receiving a blood marrow transplant from an unrelated donor from Australia, Emily now is a happy and healthy 11-year-old, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the team at Children's Hospital. "We wanted the best care for our oldest daughter, which is why we chose Children's Hospital," her parents said.
	Garin was diagnosed at age 1 with Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis. Within three weeks, Garin's parents found out that their son had to start chemotherapy. However, Garin's disease did not respond. The physicians at Children's Hospital put him on the blood marrow transplant list. In 2003, Garin received a transplant from an unrelated donor, a procedure in which the physicians at Children's Hospital specialize. His parents say that Garin has improved every day since the transplant. With the help from the physicians and staff at Children's Hospital, Garin has never let his disease keep him from being the energetic boy that he is.
Maddie was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor in the base of her tongue the day after her 15th birthday. Her treatment included chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, followed by surgery. Maddie's treatment required a tracheotomy and use of a feeding tube. Maddie and her family were overwhelmed not only by the care they received at Children's Hospital, but also by the compassion displayed by every staff member they encountered. During her hospital stay, team members worked diligently to ensure that treatments did not interfere with Maddie's passion, showing and riding horses.
	Michele was 24 and working as a nurse at Children's Hospital when she needed a blood marrow transplant for aplastic anemia. After investigating adult hospitals in the area, she discovered that Children's Hospital would be the best place for her care because of the hospital's expertise in that disease. Bruce Camitta, MD, Oncology, and Michele's peers helped her through the process. Michele now works as the blood and marrow transplant coordinator for Children's Hospital. As an employee and former patient, Michele coaches families that are going through the same experiences she had.
In 2005, Michelle was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. The family's doctors in California wanted to keep treating her with medications, but Michelle's parents sought other options. After extensive research, they found that Children's Hospital had the experience necessary to help Michelle. The family flew to meet Dr. Margolis and were surprised at how much time he spent with them. The family believed nothing was overlooked and every contingency was provided for. They also felt that Michelle was treated like she was special and unique, just the way she should be.