Children's Hospital Provides Lessons in Hope

Children's Hospital Provides Lessons in Hope

From The Governor's Desk: A weekly column by Gov. Joe Manchin

During my first year in office, I was privileged to meet Ben Bowen, a courageous little boy, and his family from Huntington. I was inspired by their positive attitude and determination to overcome the obstacles in their way.

Two-year-old Ben was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer and underwent several surgeries and treatments at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. He met these challenges as a warrior and a true champion. Sadly, Ben lost his battle in February 2005. However, his story teaches us a lesson of hope, of a family's courage and of a hospital's commitment to its patients.

Since its founding by Danny Thomas in 1962, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has offered hope to thousands of children like Ben. This commitment gives strength and guidance to each family member affected by a childhood illness. This hospital's top-notch facilities and outstanding researchers provide comfort and courage to their young patients and their families struggling to find that hope.

St. Jude is a unique pediatric treatment and research center. Doctors there set the standard for how to treat children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude has cared for children from every state and more than 70 countries.

Patients do not pay for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are not asked to pay. St. Jude keeps its costs down and people throughout the world donate to make medical miracles possible for patients, regardless of their families' income.

St. Jude touches the lives of West Virginians, like Ben and other critically ill children and their families. The hospital has a regional office in Huntington and now local businesses, including Eimors Construction, have donated materials and labor to build St. Jude's "dream home" in Scott Depot, W.Va.

This half-million-dollar home will be raffled off June 17 with all proceeds going to St. Jude. You can show your support for St. Jude by reserving your $100 ticket for a chance to win this beautiful house at http://www.stjude.org/dreamhome .

The First Lady and I often speak about the five promises we should keep to every child. At heart of those promises is that children should have a healthy start and be able to give back to their communities. St. Jude helps us to keep these commitments.

At St. Jude, children get the quality, innovative healthcare they deserve, which gives them a fighting chance and hope for the future opportunity to give something back to our community. I encourage you to consider donating to this worthy cause that will help St. Jude continue its battle alongside brave children like Ben.

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