When It’s Your Own Child

By Susan Flansburg

“Henry was born April 24, 2014. One year later, on his 1st birthday, instead of introducing him to the joys of cake, we were processing his pediatrician’s words: Henry has cancer. “

As a writer, I am invited into other people’s lives and hearts. They share their deepest hopes and greatest fears with me. They humble me, every one of them.

Often - especially if we are talking by phone and they cannot see me - tears run down my face as I scribble notes.

That was the case as I ghost-wrote and/or edited a group of personal essays for Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA.

Here’s more from Henry’s mom:

“To say Ryan and I were stunned would be an understatement. We were the parents of 2 older boys, and Henry had fit right in. On top of that, I’ve been an X-ray technologist for 12 years. Why didn’t I notice something?

Well, no one noticed it. We had taken him to all of his Well Baby checkups, where his tummy and abdomen were always checked out. At his one-year appointment, though, the pediatrician felt a lump suddenly big enough it could be palpated. A neuroblastoma.

For the next year, Henry was always in the hospital, getting chemo, having surgery, fighting some horrible illness. Ryan and I tag-teamed with him during every stay …

I had recently become a grandmother, and the stories of hospitalized children hit very close to home.

Even when I don’t have any personal experience, the stories touch me deeply.

It’s because the people who share them are so open and honest; so hopeful that their stories - no matter how difficult or challenging - will make a difference for others.

Making a difference is always my goal.

If you need help telling your nonprofit’s stories, contact me. I can help you connect deeply with your donors, clients or customers … and help you make a difference, too.

While Henry’s story will connect with parents (and grandparents) of sick kids, the essays from health professionals are filled with helpful tips and information.

All in all, the essays will leave you grateful that the most loving, steady and expert healthcare professionals serve our tiniest patients.