Opinion
A PIECE OF MY Addie’s Hope
MIND
Julie M. Cornfield It was on a warm September night that we snuck my
Palo Alto High School, little white dog, Georgie, into the hospital where my
Palo Alto, California. father works. He had made a promise to a dog-loving
patient that he would bring in the hospital dog to visit
her, but that was before he knew that the dog had
retired. But, a promise is a promise, and my father
knew that this was an especially important one to
keep. So, in a towel-covered dog-carrier, well after vis-
iting hours, we carried Georgie through a maze of
unfamiliar hallways, doors, and spiraling steps. Soon
we found ourselves in the Pediatric Intensive Care
Unit, where critically ill children are treated for all sorts
of sicknesses, and where my dad spends most of his
time. As I trailed behind my father down a long hall, we
passed quizzical-looking nurses and young doctors.
Everywhere I looked, there was a child with a life-
threatening issue, and the air was thick with anxiety.
After having me sanitize my hands, my Dad led me into
a door at the very end of the hall.
That was when I caught my first glance of Adrianna,
a frail 8-year-old girl with severe arthritis that had led
to lung issues. My father introduced me to Addie and
her mother, and then we unveiled our fluffy guest.
Adrianna’s eyes grew to the size of saucers and she
squeaked with joy. Her face lit up and it looked like, for
a second, she forgot her pain. I set Georgie down on
Addie’s bed, and then sat down on the edge too. At
first, Addie was shy and quiet, but soon, she warmed
up to the dog and to me. Adrianna and I talked about
school, home, and especially her two dogs. She
Corresponding showed me pictures and smiled longingly at the image
Author: Julie M. of her canine companions. While toying with the pink
Cornfield bows on Georgie’s ears, Addie spoke of her great love
(julie.cornfield
of dogs.
@gmail.com).
She then looked me directly in the eye and told
Section Editor:
Roxanne K. Young, me that having my dog visit was the best thing that
Associate Senior Editor. had happened during her grueling hospital stay. That
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The author has
completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for the
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and
none were reported.
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was when it really hit me: Adrianna was vivacious,
strong, unbelievably kind, and outgoing, despite, or
maybe because of, such sickness. It was easy to feel
comfortable with Addie, as she made all of my own
anxieties melt away. Adrianna was happy with the
company. With a wide smile and giggles, she was just a
little girl with Georgie in her lap and me perched on the
edge of her bed.
“Oh, Dr Cornfield, I almost forgot. I have a card
and balloon for you,” Addie smiled. As my dad read
over the card, he grinned instinctively, stating that this
was the best possible card that he could have received.
It read: “Thank you for breaking the rules [by bringing
the dog].”
“Addie, the card is splendid, but keep the balloon for
me. It'll remind you that I’m here for you, even when I’m
not here," my Dad requested.
“Okay, Dr Cornfield. But … take it the day I leave here,
okay?” Adrianna pleaded.
“Of course.” With that, we said our heartfelt good-
byes and get wells. On the way out, my dad wrapped his
arm around me and sighed.
“You know, Julie, I’m really afraid,” my Dad told me.
“Why’s that?” I inquired.
“Kids like Addie. Well, they’re not common. And …
Addie is very sick. Losing her would be … devastating.”
A couple of agonizing weeks later, Adrianna did
pass away. When I heard the news, my heart dropped
to my stomach, and tears immediately filled my eyes.
I’d only met Adrianna once, but my father was right.
Kids like her don’t come along often. She was efferves-
cent, and just my 20-minute visit with her continued to
stay with me long after we left her hospital room. I have
a feeling, and a hope, that it changed me forever. The
only words I could find felt like glue in my mouth, but I
had to say them.
“Dad, take the balloon.”
(Reprinted) JAMA April 21, 2015 Volume 313, Number 15 1517