Brother's cancer inspires nurse to work at Children's Memorial
By Jillian Rojas, RN, MS
Late one night my 3-year-old brother, Charles, spiked a fever. He had bruises covering his legs. My mother took him to our pediatrician who immediately sent him to Children's Memorial Hospital. Charles was diagnosed with leukemia.
I am 18 months older than Charles, and I have memories of the panic felt by my parents when he became ill. At that time, my two sisters and I could not visit my brother when he was an inpatient. My parents would be gone days at a time, and it left us with a lot of questions.
Soon, my brother was in remission. I am sure it felt like an eternity to my parents and him, but it was like he was never gone for me. He was "cured" by the staff at Children's Memorial. Charles never relapsed. Today, he is a successful, funny, caring man who was recently married. By the grace of God and the work done here at Children's Memorial, my brother has been given the chance to shed happiness on all those around him.
Since second grade, I told my mom that I was going to be a nurse when I grew up. We do not have anyone in the medical field in the family, so I have to think that my brother's experience is what drew me to this vocation. Children's Memorial is the only hospital I applied to when I graduated. Thankfully, I was hired.
The first day I walked into the hospital as an employee, it brought back "good" memories. Walking by the Hematology/Oncology clinics, brought back memories of playing in the playroom with my sisters and the child life specialists. It brought back memories of juice and cookies. It brought back memories of my brother being so proud and showing us what toy he picked from the treasure chest (even though my sisters wanted him to pick the make-up set). What a wonderful refuge for the siblings of one who is sick.
A few years later, I saw Dr. Horace Smith, one of many physicians that cared for my brother. I thanked him for taking such good care of my brother so many years ago. Dr. Smith asked my name, and to my surprise said, "Oh yeah, I remember little Chuckie Chernich." That says it all.
I am so proud to work at Children's Memorial and to be part of such an amazing, compassionate team. Thank you for giving me back my brother, and for giving me the opportunity to help others.
Children's Memorial Hospital seeks philanthropic funding to enhance its programs and services. As a proud partner of the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), all funds raised in the Chicago area through CMN also benefit Children's Memorial. To find out how your support can help the hospital better serve children and families, please contact the Children's Memorial Foundation at 773.880.4237 or Foundation@childrensmemorial.org.