At first, Elyse Hancock’s pediatrician thought she had a virus that would need to run its course. When the 2-year-old didn’t get better, her pediatrician ordered routine blood work that showed that she was severely anemic. Elyse was rushed to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital by ambulance to have a battery of tests performed.
Test results revealed that Elyse had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer that starts in premature white blood cells in the bone marrow and quickly invades the blood. She spent several weeks in the hospital undergoing chemotherapy treatment to help eradicate the cancerous cells.
While medical experts worked to treat Elyse, Child Life experts stepped in to help her comprehend what was happening. The UF Health Child Life team gifted Elyse a special stuffed duck with a port-o-cath so she could better understand her treatment and to help ease her concerns. see what her doctors would be doing.
Once Elyse was discharged from the hospital, her mother continued to be impressed with the Child Life team as they continued care in the outpatient clinics.
“Child Life Specialist Jenna Priest would distract Elyse while her port was being accessed and really helped in keeping me sane,” Elyse’s mother said.
Elyse completed chemotherapy treatment in October 2012. She gets routine blood work every six months and continues to be cancer-free!
Thanks to the care she received at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Elyse is now a happy and healthy kid who loves reading scary stories, making forts out of cardboard boxes and playing with her sister and friends.
Where does my CMN gift go? | February 2023
Feb 8th, 2023
Because of your continued support and generosity toward Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, UF Health has purchased two Bunnell high-frequency jet ventilators. The Bunnell high-frequency jet ventilator provides low-flow ventilation. By removing carbon dioxide, this device is particularly effective in treating infants with air leaks. The high-frequency jet ventilator also supports infants with pulmonary interstitial emphysema,…
Introducing our 2023 Champion, Lauren Price!
Feb 8th, 2023
Every year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals identify a “Champion” in each of their communities to serve as the face for children treated at their local children’s hospital. These ambassadors spend the year advocating for the charitable need of children’s hospitals across North America. UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is excited to announce our 2023 CMN Hospitals…
Year in Review: Local Champion Beckett
Feb 8th, 2023
January 15 is a special date for Beckett and the Genuardi family. It’s a day where the 8-year-old celebrates all he has overcome and accomplished. Because on this date eight years ago, the Genuardi family received the greatest gift of all – a heart transplant for Beckett. “We celebrated my ‘Heart Day’ this year by…