Patient visits

Tessa was receiving treatment far from home, without family or friends in New York. I began visiting her, and during those visits other children would join in. Their parents soon started asking if I could spend time with their kids too. Before long, even parents I connected with online were asking for visits. One of our kids, Shanaya the first from South Africa, flew all the way to America to meet me before she passed away. We have visited with over 100 kids since starting WPC.

These moments quickly became my favorite part of Whip Pediatric Cancer. I love giving kids something to look forward to during treatments, something that takes their minds off doctors, appointments, and surgeries. Instead, they remember the laughter, the gifts, and simply being kids again.

Visiting these kids has been a gift for me as much as for them. It’s about creating a sense of normal in a situation that’s anything but. Sometimes that means bringing dinner, watching the kids so parents can have a break, or just being a friend. The joy these visits bring to the children, their families, and to me is truly one of the most special parts of this journey.