The day we’d all been looking forward to: Zack got a pass to come visit the hospital on the 4th of July! Patients can only have 2 guests due to Covid (the nurses talk about how fun the floor was when families were around — now everyone stays in their rooms, understandably, because most are immunocompromised but we are hoping to connect with some other families, teens with cancer, and brothers/sisters).  Zack got a badge at the security station when we checked in, washed his hands at the sink before entering the Oncology floor, and was welcomed with big hugs from his big brother ❤️.  They played FIFA and chatted for an hour but it was a low energy day for Sam so we ended up breaking up the visit into 2 smaller visits.  Zack did great and was super flexible and understanding — I am so grateful for all the work he’s done this past year that has made him more prepared for this time.

He came back later in the afternoon and played some more FIFA and enjoyed his time with his brother. It’s challenging to see your favorite person, who was so active and fit, go through a health crisis — makes you grow up faster.  We are grateful for the Child Life team at LPCH who have great materials to help young children learn about cancer in a concrete and non-scary way.