Stories of Getting Better at The Children's Hospital

"There is no small procedure when it’s your child."
by Toni, mother of 10-year-old India

India is diagnosed with a
blood condition called
Bernard-Soulier

Here we were: I, my husband, India—not yet two—and our newborn baby, walking into the hematology/oncology department of The Children’s Hospital. What started as a few lingering bruises, became half a dozen or more blood draws in Grand Junction, and then being referred to a specialist at The Children’s Hospital in Denver.

A blood draw is just not as simple it sounds

I was scared. I know India was scared, but for different reasons. Some of her prior blood draws had been painful. So, she was not looking forward to another. But, the staff at The Children’s Hospital was so warm and reassuring. The nurse who did the blood draw explained everything to India, including that she was using a baby-sized needle, so it shouldn’t hurt at all—and it didn’t!   

With The Children’s Hospital, we knew we were in good hands. Our meeting with Dr. Taru Hays was thorough, very informative, and relaxed. She sat down, explained the condition, invited questions, and spoke directly to India. I was so used to having all questions directed to me, and I was really impressed to see India treated as the primary contact by everyone there.

Back in the saddle

India, now 10 years old, is doing great. Her condition is one that just needs to be monitored annually, and we were given the choice to do that in our hometown. But, once we experienced the wonderful staff, special needles, and how much more comfortable India was at The Children’s Hospital, we have no reason not to come back every year.

Learn more of the reasons to choose The Children's Hospital for Lab Tests