Dear Mark,
Our entire clinic staff wanted to write this letter, but I got the honor since everyone is so enamored with Harrison, a playful 2-year-old boy who is a ray of sunshine for all of us in the pediatric oncology clinic. He charms everyone with his waves, smiles, blown kisses, and eyes that sparkle with delight and joyfulness. A visit to see Harrison is an opportunity to feel uplifted, as evidenced by the revolving door of visitors to his clinic and hospital rooms.
Harrison’s cancer journey began in May when ongoing, painful GI symptoms prompted a visit to his pediatrician. After concerning lab work, he was referred to the Children’s Hospital of Savannah, where scans showed a mass in his bladder. Two weeks after his 2nd birthday, Harrison was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer of soft tissue. To date, he has undergone 6 months of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiation therapy in Jacksonville, and 6 surgeries. He has about 11 months of chemo remaining. When this is all over his family hopes to celebrate with for a trip to Disneyworld.
Harrison’s mother, Megan, describes him as a “light of joy,” and I can attest that his light has remained undiminished by the immense challenges he has faced. He loves people and making others smile and laugh. She and his dad, Tyler, believe he has only grown in “resilience, strength, compassion, love, joy, and kindness” through his experiences. They are so proud of him, and they are not alone.
Harrison’s nurses describe him as the “happiest little boy,” who loves to be helpful, eat Dum Dum lollipops when they need to access his port (for blood and chemo). And while we might have witnessed typical 2-year-old moments, they are few and far between, and Harrison is back to his cheerful self in no time.
Harrison enjoys watching Daniel Tiger and Bluey. He loves Spiderman, playing with balls and blocks, reading books, coloring, riding his tricycle, and playing with his siblings, with whom he is very close. For Christmas, he would like a tool bench and a set of tools. His 10-year-old brother, Ethan, hopes for a PlayStation 5 or a Nintendo Switch, and adventure or factual books. His 8-year-old sister, Abigail, loves everything pink, princesses, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. She would also enjoy a unicorn bike helmet.
The family likes to shop at Target and Walmart, and dining out at Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, Papa John’s, and Sakura Buffet (on Eisenhower). When pressed to choose gifts for themselves, his parents merely asked for grocery and gas cards. They would appreciate cards to Sam’s Club, Kroger, and Parker’s.
This family is grateful for all who have cared for Harrison and express that they have felt surrounded by the love that has carried them through this very difficult time. I know I speak for all of the pediatric oncology team when I say that patients like Harrison and families like theirs make this work fulfilling, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.
Thank you, Mark and listeners, for supporting this deserving family, and for the opportunity to share their story.
Sincerely,
Erin L. Borchert, LMSW
Pediatric Oncology Social Worker
Memorial Health Dwayne and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah
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