Making a statement about pediatric cancer care with a handprint at Kentucky Children’s Hospital
Originally published by WEKU.
Pediatric cancer care got a financial shot in the arm during a ceremony at Kentucky Children’s Hospital on Tuesday. It comes through an automotive connection.
Paint prep for making handprints on a white car placed outside the Lexington hospital. Hyundai Hope on Wheels officials presented a $100,000 grant. Dr. John D’Orazio is chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. He said part of the money will help speed up liver test results, which may take two hours.
Stu Johnson
“So, we’re going to buy two machines in-clinic to actually do it right there and then in ten minutes..so that the wait time for these families and these patients is much reduced and they can get on with their day,” said D’Orazio.
Funds will go to develop a neuro-oncology patient orientation program. Dr. D’Orazio noted Kentucky ranks high nationally for the number of pediatric brain tumors. The physician added money will also be used for pediatric cancer support groups.
On hand for the presentation were Lukas Brown and his mother Beth Willoughby. Willoughby talked about her son being diagnosed in the spring of 2021 with acute leukemia.
“For six months Lukas and I made the trip to KCH for his daily treatment which consisted of arsenic infusions. So, while the world around us was debating if the COVID vaccine was poison I was praying to God that the poison my son was receiving would save his life…..And it did!” said Willoughby.
Willoughby said Lukas’ disease has been in remission for two years, seven months, and 12 days. Lukas is playing high school football in Mount Sterling. The event also included an opportunity for cancer patients to paint up their hands to make prints on a white Hyundai vehicle.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
