A Tribute to National Children’s Health Month
National Children’s Health Month, observed every October, is a wonderful moment to reflect on the incredible impact that pediatric care and children’s hospitals have on our lives. At Propelus, we are deeply committed to protecting vulnerable populations and supporting healthcare professionals. This month, we celebrate the remarkable work being done in pediatric care by sharing personal stories from our team members. Through these narratives, we aim to honor the dedication and compassion of those who work tirelessly to care for our youngest patients, celebrating the resilience and profound impact of pediatric care on our communities.
Propelus stories
A Mother’s Gratitude: Finding Comfort in My Son’s Surgery at Wolfson Children’s Hospital
Bonnie Cobb, Sr. People Operations Manager at Propelus
When my son needed surgery as a one-year-old, I felt so blessed to have Nemours Children’s Health and Wolfson Children’s hospital nearby. They are beautiful facilities staffed by endlessly caring professionals that made the whole experience as easy as possible.
I’ll always remember the kindness the staff at Wolfson showed my son, and I especially appreciated how the nurse carried him in her arms back to the surgery area. At that time, my son had never been in the care of anyone other than family. Having her carry him like that gave both him and me the comfort we needed in that moment.
Easing Stays for a Frequent Flier: My Childhood Journey at CCH
Genevieve Terrall, Group Product Manager at Propelus
As a frequent flier of Connecticut Children’s Hospital, I got used to the hospital food, the poking and prodding, and the constant stream of new treatments. However, all of the folks that I interacted with from respiratory techs to nurses to my doctors all showed up with the understanding that in order to make me feel more comfortable, they weren’t going to use big words and weird terms to tell me what was happening – they were going to bring me into the conversation to alleviate the fear around being away from home while not feeling well. It means that every time I’d get sick and have to go back, a little less nerve wracking.
Being in the hospital as a little kid is scary. However, each member of the team at CCH validated that it was uncomfortable to be away from home and it was okay to feel sad that you haven’t seen a parent or sibling in days, allowing me to feel heard and hopeful that I would get back home. I had nurses who would remember my favorite popsicles and doctors who would talk to me about what I wanted to do when I was home with my little brothers. Most memorably, the respiratory techs would have me sing songs while wearing my vibrating vest. These professionals consistently go the extra mile to help children remain children while also being patients. Their dedication and care is truly unmatched, and I’ll remain thankful for them for the rest of my life.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Thanks: Holistic Support for Our Son’s ADHD & Anxiety at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Stephanie Pavol, Director of Growth Marketing at Propelus
Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been a great resource in helping my son with his ADHD and anxiety. The diagnosis process was really in-depth and covered a lot, but they made my son feel comfortable throughout the whole process. And they were able to offer a multi-pronged treatment approach from talk therapy to Occupational Therapy. We’re so lucky to have such an amazing organization for children’s health here in Columbus, Ohio.
Their in-depth experience and amount of resources made all the difference with my son’s treatment plan. Nationwide Children’s is a leader in behavioral health, as exemplified by their national On Our Sleeves campaign. Their team was extremely knowledgeable and supportive. My son is healthy and thriving academically, behaviorally and in other areas.
A Miracle of Care: My Survival Story Thanks to Kansas City’s Research Hospital
Kevin McNeall, Senior Sales Executive at Propelus
When I was born I had Jaundice, in 1969, which was more significant than it is today. I also had a collapsed lung. My dad told me that you could see my spine when I would inhale. I was not expected to leave the hospital alive and was baptized in the NICU. Because of new technology at the time and the commitment of the doctors and nurses at the hospital, I survived, and they are the reason I get to share my story.
I remember my folks talking about the care and support they felt throughout my illness, and they attributed my survival to their [Kansas City’s Research Hospital’s] care.
Grateful for Lifesaving Care: Our Journey as New Parents at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital
Karen Griffin, Product Marketing Director at Propelus
When my oldest son was 8-months-old, he had meningitis. The person who actually first caught it was a student working at our pediatrician’s office. After getting a second opinion from our pediatrician, we were rushed over to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville where he had a spinal tap procedure to verify the diagnosis. It was a very scary experience for us as we were young parents of our first baby. When the results came back positive, he was admitted to the hospital, and we received the best care. I remember the hospital staff was there when we first got all set up in the hospital room and made sure we knew the latest updates to his condition.
And, that wasn’t the last time we were at Vanderbilt. A few years later he was again admitted to Vanderbilt for a surgical procedure. Again, we had a great surgical team, and the post-operation care was phenomenal and [the care team] made sure we knew how he was doing in his recovery.
From Crisis to Clarity: How Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Saved My Sister’s Life
Jessica Dunbar, Chief of Staff at Propelus
My sister was 17-years-old when she experienced her first pulmonary embolism – a life-threatening blood clot that traveled to her lungs and impeded her ability to breathe. After going to a community hospital locally, she was transferred to Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. The caregivers there saved her life, quite literally. They were also able to help us identify a rare genetic trait causing her propensity to blood clotting disorders – factor V leiden. Because of this discovery, our whole immediate family was tested and in fact, we were able to identify others who are at greater risk, which has helped us adjust lifestyle factors that could put us at risk for issues like pulmonary embolisms like Erin experienced.
My sister is a happy, healthy 29-year-old with a beautiful baby girl – all possible because her disease has become manageable by virtue of proper medication and preventative measures. Having specialized care through Winnie Palmer not only saved her life in that very acute situation, but also helped her identify the root cause so she could live a healthy, fulfilling life for many years to come.
Closing Reflections
As National Children’s Health Month wraps up, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their stories and celebrated the incredible efforts of pediatric care professionals. These stories underscore the profound difference that dedicated caregivers make in the lives of children and their families. Our appreciation for the exceptional work in pediatric care continues year-round. Let us carry forward the spirit of National Children’s Health Month by supporting and advocating for the health and well-being of our children every day. Thank you to all who contribute to this vital field and to those who shared their inspiring experiences.