Brooks' Experience at Children's Hospital Inspires Mom to Give Back
In Heather's Own Words
"My son, Brooks, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis shortly after his birth in 2021. I chose a local hospital to deliver him close to East Tennessee Children's Hospital for ease of mind. Little did I know, this choice would impact his foreseeable future.
Hospital staff ordered an x-ray after a concerning check-up that revealed an urgent need to transfer to the Children's Hospital NICU. Our nursing staff took great care of us, including a travel nurse from Ohio, who held Brooks' pacifier in his mouth for 45 minutes so I could sleep. His newborn screening showed Double Delta F508, also known as Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Shocked is an understatement since none of our immediate family members have CF.
Thankfully, the Children's Hospital Cystic Fibrosis team took the time to explain what clinic days would be like and the progress in medicine and treatments. I am truly so thankful to have the CF team here in Knoxville.
Because of our experience, I enjoy using my career and partnerships to give back to Children’s Hospital. I find joy in making goodie bags for clinic patients, donating staff lunches, sharing milestones, and learning about the lives we all lead outside of CF. We are so lucky to have a wonderful Children’s Hospital within 15 minutes of our home, along with an on-call Pulmonologist at night and on weekends who knows us regardless of if we are their actual patient or not.”
-- Brooks' mom, Heather
Brooks' diagnosis propelled Heather to donate her time and items that impact those within the very hospital that changed their lives.
Heather's husband is a teacher at Karns Middle School and coordinated a fundraiser for children diagnosed with CF called Batting for Brooks and on Deck Andi.
Heather coordinated a fun Valentine's activity for the Hematology and Oncology Clinic with Cheryl Allmon, Director of Volunteer Services. They brought blankets, lunch, makeup, nail polish, games, and cookies for the staff, patients, and their families. Her neighbor is a photographer, and she volunteered her time to come and take pictures of the kids with their families.
Occasionally, Heather will bring bread for physician offices, dinner for the ER staff, meal cards for children, and coupons for the staff. She donated a few enter-to-win baskets to parents in the hospital regularly with their children.
We greatly appreciate Heather's generosity and are proud to take care of Brooks.
