"We cannot say enough about the staff – doctors, nurses, techs, the housekeeping staff, transport personnel. They all make the kids in the hospital feel special."
When a child calls the hospital “awesome” that is quite an endorsement.
One year and countless hospital visits since he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), this is how Rishi Duggal describes The Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
In the last phase of his treatment, which will continue for nearly two years, Rishi bravely continues to take on pediatric cancer with knowledgeable determination. He is a very special child – intelligent and compassionate - and we are proud that The BMS Children’s Hospital has provided him the care that he needs, while supporting his close-knit family on this difficult journey.
Just over a year ago, Rishi was diagnosed with a non-tumor cancer that causes white blood cells to reproduce too rapidly. His older brother, Akshay, noticed some suspicious lumps on his neck. As time passed and pain began, the Duggal family sought and found answers at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
In the words of Rishi’s family members…
“You immediately meet with a broad team assembled to support you in many different ways. If one person cannot answer your questions, another can, and you feel comforted. The patient and the entire family are truly being cared for, mind and body. As we were told by the team, the first eight months of treatment were very intense. Rishi went through so much physically and emotionally. It was so hard to watch him go through that. We had at least five unplanned hospital admissions and the way the team treated us was amazing. The way they treated our son was on a whole different level. We cannot say enough about the staff – doctors, nurses, techs, the housekeeping staff, transport personnel. They all make the kids in the hospital feel special. You go through some harrowing times with these people and you bond. This was our home away from home for some long periods of time. To be out of your home and your routine and still feel comfortable somewhere means so much. We are not patients there. We are part of the family.”
In the year since his diagnosis, Rishi has had numerous tests, treatments and many visits to The BMS Children’s Hospital, one lasting 19 days while he fought a life-threatening infection. His mother, Veera, and father, Munish, are grateful for Rishi’s care.
Thanks to the philanthropic investment of donors and friends like you, we stand ready to serve the youngest patients in our communities - patients such as Rishi. From emergencies and complicated procedures to routine testing and wellness services, your support makes positive outcomes possible, and for that, we thank you.
Generous donations to The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital benefit patients such as Rishi who rely on us for their health care needs, no matter how complex.
Please consider making an online tax-deductible donation today.
Thank you for believing in the Hospital’s work, and for changing the lives of those in its care.
Sincerely,
John J. Gantner
President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital