My name is Jan Burgers and my connection with The Children’s Healing Center began with a leukemia diagnosis for my little granddaughter, Becca, when she was 3 ½ years old.

She had taken a fall and the injury that happened to her arm was unusual, resulting in a buckle fracture. After an examination, her doctors chose to do bloodwork which indicated she had ALL, acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It was at the time that the CHC was beginning to reach out to children with compromised immune systems, giving them a place of normalcy to connect and play together.

I had been a nurse for many years and had just retired, and I had worked in a preschool setting for 9 years and have loved children all of my life! With my experience and desire to make things better for children in tough situations, volunteering at the CHC has been the best opportunity ever! The Children’s Healing Center has become a source of support, love, education, and friendships when Becca was going through chemotherapy and beyond.

“The Children’s Healing Center has become a source of support, love, education, and friendships when Becca was going through chemotherapy and beyond.”

I have been a witness to many families going through difficult times with their children. I am happy that I have had the opportunity to help make a positive difference in their lives. Because I value my experiences, friendships, and the difference that I have made in the lives of the members here; I have connected with others, strongly encouraging them to become involved in some way here at the CHC…and it works! I have seen friends come in to volunteer and have a very positive experience in many areas of community life here. The CHC has become an uplifting experience for me; I value the little ones and their families as they commit to try to make changes in their lives. These experiences have helped to bring normalcy, clarity, and comfort to these families lives.

“I have seen children transform from quiet little ones with wonder on their faces to interacting with others who are living with similar circumstances.”

It has been a privilege for me to help bring some fun back into the lives of these children and their families, despite their circumstances. I have seen children transform from quiet little ones with wonder on their faces to interacting with others who are living with similar circumstances. I have noticed parents and guardians calmed and comforted by the return of more normal childhood activities for their little ones to participate in. That is what we are all about here; to see that happiness return to family lives is priceless.

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