Geoffrey

We first met Geoffrey in September 2004 when he came for a surgical procedure. In April of this year Geoffrey returned, and during this stay has undergone surgery three separate times. Following surgery, Geoffrey had to stay in bed for an extended time. His attitude was positive and he was very patient.

Staff members say that "Geoffrey is truly a blessing to those who meet him,"  "His smile brightens my day," and "He is one in a million, a true champ for all he has been through."

Dylan

Dylan visited the Child Program at the Avera Behavioral Health Center due to struggling with separation anxiety, ADHD, grief and sensory issues. He is 5 years old and lives with his mother and siblings. Dylan was a joy to have on the Child Unit. He is noted for his hard work, having a positive attitude, being cooperative and showing enthusiasm in groups. Dylan had positive outcomes during his hospitalization and Avera wishes him well. Thank you Dylan.

Nicholas

Nicholas comes in each month for an IV infusion. After his IV is started, he gets a snack and enjoys either a movie, tv show or Nintendo game. Then he starts on his homework, which he does without complaint.

Nicholas is a very quiet caring person. We see him doing kind deeds for his siblings, family and staff. Instead of putting on his light, Nicholas will come to the nurse's desk and ask for help. We think Nicholas is a champion, because of what he endures and never complains.

Derek

Derek was involved in a bus crash in February. As a result of this accident, he sustained numerous serious injuries. He has undergone 4 surgeries and has been admitted to the hospital three different times. On his second admission he couldn't eat for a few days but prior to discharge Derek was started on a special diet. After being home for just over a week, Derek became ill and had to come back to the hospital a third time.

Derek was always pleasant to the staff. Despite his increased pain he was willing to do the necessary rehab. During his second and third admissions he was telling jokes and teasing the nurses and other staff.

Derek was motivated to get well so he could go home. Despite a few setbacks, he has been progressing well from his injuries. He has to wear a back brace when he is not in bed, but otherwise you would not know all he had been through by looking at him. Derek is a happy young man who does not let much get him down or stand in his way.

Derek is truly a champion!

Charlie

Charlie came to Avera Children's because of a motor vehicle crash. He worked hard to overcome hurdles during his stay with us. Now he is walking, talking and doing well with therapy. Charlie's attitude has been positive. He always had a smile for nursing staff and would take his medicine without complaints.

All those who worked with Charlie described him as willing to work, his motivation was to get well. Charlie always had something cute to say and it would brighten the nurses' day.

Just two weeks after his admission Charlie transitioned to Rehab status and within 13 days he was discharged from the hospital.

Anton

Anton, the Avera Children's Champion for December, had an extended stay of 30-plus days because of an ongoing health condition.

During that time, Anton underwent several different procedures and tests. He didn't give up and rarely complained. He remained tolerant, even after 21 days of nothing to eat.

Anton is a loyal Packers fan and is fun to joke around with. He has a great smile and a good attitude.

Dalton

Dalton was named Avera Children's Champion in November. Following surgery, Dalton had to stay in bed for three weeks. His attitude was positive throughout his stay, and he was very patient with the length of time he had to remain in his room and in his bed.

Dalton considered it a milestone and the high point of his day when he was able to get out of bed for 15 minutes, three times a day. Dalton is a cheerful boy, and has a great smile.

Caleb

Caleb, 7, was the Avera Children's Champion in October. He was a patient in pediatrics following major surgery, and needed rehabilitation. He worked very hard in therapy every day. His therapists loved working with him because he tried everything they asked of him and always had a smile on his face. He spent several weeks on the pediatric unit building up his strength.

A special note is that Caleb was born 10 weeks premature and spent six weeks in the Avera Children's NICU when he was a baby. Caleb is now back in school and doing well. He loves all sports and was able to resume soccer this fall.

Adam

When Adam was admitted to the hospital he was unable to walk because his left leg felt numb. He also complained of a severe headache. It was determined that his illness started with a sinus infection and it ended in an accumulation of fluid (puss) known as an empyemia in his brain. Surgical intervention was required for drainage of that fluid.

Adam stayed with us for 23 days. He was initially admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care where our staff of nurses and doctors took care of him. When he was able to transition from PICU to the general unit he continued to work hard to get well. Daily physical therapy helped Adam to regain his strength and ability to walk again.

Adam was very respectful; willing to do what the staff thought was necessary to get better. He had a fun sense of humor and would joke with us. Adam always had a smile on his face and was such a polite kid, even when he wanted so badly to go home after an already long stay and was told he could not yet go - he was still polite and smiled. The day he finally got to go home we gave him 2 monster cookies to celebrate, he was so thankful and appreciative not only for the cookies but for the care as well.

Adam is a great kid and is truly a Champion.

Jeremy

Jeremy is an extraordinary young man. He spent almost seven weeks on the Pediatric Unit of Avera Children's Hospital due to increased pressure in his head. Jeremy was born with cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheel chair. He does not let this get him down. When Jeremy was young, he had a shunt placed in his head to drain excess fluid and prevent increased intracranial pressure. This shunt malfunctioned causing the fluid to remain in Jeremy's head and the pressure to rise. During his hospitalization Jeremy underwent two surgeries, one to replace his shunt and a second to fix the new shunt.

He also had four lumbar punctures, a multitude of other diagnostic tests and procedures and spent three nights in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Because the pressure in his head was high for a prolonged period of time, Jeremy developed severe headaches, persistent back pain, nausea, vomiting, partial loss of his vision, and temporarily lost his ability to swallow. For three weeks, Jeremy received his feedings through a tube that went from his nose down to his stomach. After his second surgery, he began to get better. He attended physical therapy and occupational therapy two times a day. Speech therapy also worked with him on a daily basis to help regain his ability to swallow.

Jeremy was determined to get back to his normal self. He was eager to start the 6th grade. Although disappointed he was not able to attend the first day with his twin brother and missed the first several weeks of school; he looked forward to time spent with his tutor in the afternoons. Jeremy not only worked hard on getting well, he also worked hard on his school work so that he would not get behind. Jeremy kept a positive attitude throughout his entire hospitalization. He was always looking for ways to make the doctors, nurses, and therapists laugh. Just short of being here for seven weeks, Jeremy was discharged.

Jeremy constantly worked at getting well and fighting his illness. Despite many setbacks, he never developed a negative attitude or gave up. Jeremy is truly a Champion!