It is rare to find a patient who’s excited for a 28-day stay at the hospital. But because the environment for one leukemia patient is friendly and comfortable—even fun—he knows he’s in the right place for his care.
LaDee Dangerfield
Fredy Arroyo, who has acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), will journey multiple times by himself from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City for a continuous inpatient infusion lasting 28 days at the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at LDS Hospital.
During his first two treatment sessions, Fredy says caregivers listened to him, understood his needs, and involved him in a special therapy program where he feels less like a patient and more like himself.
That’s why he’s looking forward to his next inpatient session in August.
“I spend a lot of time listening to him and his stories about his life,” LaDee Dangerfield, BMT clinical coordinator says. “We were chatting one day, and he said he didn’t like the food. I asked him what he likes. He said he likes Hot Pockets. So I brought him some.”
Although LaDee’s job is to help patients through the treatment process, Fredy tells everyone about her delivery of Hot Pockets, which meant a lot to him.
Fredy also appreciates LaDee’s expertise navigating the paperwork, housing, funding, and insurance associated with his treatment. “One time I was worried I wasn’t going to get my treatment. She said, ‘Don’t worry. We’ll take care of it,’ and she called the right people,” Fredy says.
She is a point person from the beginning to the end of a patient’s journey with BMT, using humor and joy as she learns about and encourages each one.
“As coordinators and as a team, we don’t just treat cancer, we treat a patient,” LaDee says. “I often say, ‘Let’s leave them with a little hope.’”
“LaDee is a strong advocate for her patients and can connect with the patient and the patient’s family to understand their specific needs,” says Linda Meaux, BMT program manager. “LaDee communicates these needs with the BMT team to help elevate the patient’s experience.”
Anna Beckstrom, an oncology executive assistant, helps Fredy with travel plans and even ships his bag home so he doesn’t have to carry it on the plane.
And when Fredy is in the unit for his infusions, he loves the Joy and Wellness Program, which is funded through philanthropy and led by Charlene Clayton, recreational therapy coordinator.
Charlene Clayton
Patients confined to the unit for weeks at a time can be bored or lonely. That’s where Charlene helps—with activities like arts and crafts projects, virtual reality, games, and music—four or five afternoons a week.
She creates a space for patients to connect with her, each other, or family members while participating in something hands-on.
“I like being able to draw conversation out of them that’s more regular, not just about their health,” she says. “Without creating an environment where patients can come down and socialize, I don’t think they would. Joy and wellness is our objective.”
Fredy often arrives for the activities even before Charlene—eager to participate, suggest activities, and draw more people into the group.
“When he’s there, we have a hallway filled with laughter. He has so much positive energy and such a good perspective and outlook on things,” Charlene says. “I just provided the space. His personality keeps it going.”
Charlene tries to recreate patients’ hobbies and interests in the hospital setting to normalize the experience for them while they’re away from home.
“I have witnessed Charlene spending time with a single patient as well as a large group of patients, laughing and playing games, through the early evenings,” Linda says. “Patients have voiced that they're sad to be discharged from the hospital because they'll miss Charlene and the great activities offered.”
Fredy likes the variety of activities—especially tie dye—and the positive connection he makes with others in recreational therapy.
“When I go to the hospital for the 28 days, I’m by myself. Nobody can go with me. It’s nice to go out there and talk to other patients,” he says. “I always try to make jokes. It makes my day go easier, and they go along with it.”
The positive interaction, fun activities, caring effort, and hopeful tones from caregivers on the BMT unit all create a welcoming place for Fredy and patients like him who need extended care.
“I feel normal in the hospital because of Charlene, Anna, LaDee, and the nurses. Everybody tries to help me and cheer me up,” Fredy says. “They try to make me as comfortable as they can. It keeps my self-esteem up and helps me feel confident in myself. That makes me feel great and lets me know I’m in the right place.”