Michael, the second youngest of several siblings, is a vibrant child who finds happiness in simple pleasures. He loves Pokémon, riding his bike, going to school, enjoying meals (especially his favorite, "juicy crab"), and most of all, working in his garden. His passion for gardening runs deep, inherited from his mother. Michael delights in planting fruits and vegetables, sharing his crops with the Cardinal Kids care team whenever they visit. Recently, he has been hard at work growing an orange tree using the seeds from an orange he ate — just one example of his determination and green thumb.

Michael’s journey with Cardinal Kids began in September 2023 when he was referred to the program by his specialty providers Dr. David Gass and Dr. Katrina Gleditsch, from Atrium Health. Symptoms resulting from his brain tumor, such as weight loss, hallucinations, and difficulty tolerating feeds, led to frequent hospitalizations. Despite wanting to attend school and live a normal life, the side effects of his treatments made it nearly impossible for him to do so.

When Michael joined Cardinal Kids, Nurse Practitioner Kayla and the care team worked closely with his family and healthcare providers to manage his symptoms. With their help, Michael was able to return to school and spend time tending to his beloved garden once again. However, in March 2024, after a worsening of his condition, Michael transitioned to hospice care.

“Michael has taught me the value of being present,” Kayla shared. “Whether I’m learning about Pokémon, picking vegetables in the garden, or hearing about his day at school, I’ve learned that my purpose is found in simply being there. While there have been hard days, the joy comes in celebrating the wins along the way.”

Through every challenge, the Cardinal Kids team has provided comprehensive support in three key areas:

·         Nutritional Support: Michael’s love of food and gardening is central to his life, and the team, especially nurse Mary, worked diligently to manage his nausea so that he could enjoy eating again. With their help, Michael regained the energy to plant his favorite yellow watermelon, a goal he was determined to achieve. The ability to eat and garden again has significantly improved his quality of life, bringing joy to both Michael and his family.

·         Medication Management: The care team collaborated with Michael’s oncologist and specialists to find the right medication regimen, allowing Michael to attend school and live with improved quality of life. This personalized approach ensured that Michael’s symptoms were controlled while allowing him to pursue his interests such as gardening and learning.

·         Emotional Support: Recognizing the emotional toll Michael’s illness had on the entire family, the team connected Michael and his 5-year-old sister with community resources for play therapy. Through these sessions, it became clear that his sister was struggling with feelings of being overlooked due to the focus on Michael’s care. Play therapy helped her work through these feelings, bringing peace and support to the entire family.

Petra, Michael's mother, is deeply grateful for the care her son has received. “The Cardinal Kids team gives him the best attention and care. They are always there when we need them. They even helped us get Michael’s nausea medication when the pharmacy wanted to charge us $2,000. They always go above and beyond,” she shared. “Michael, who thrives on attention, lights up whenever the team visits, eagerly sharing his latest garden project with them.”

As Michael continues his journey, the Cardinal Kids team remains by his side, providing the care, compassion, and attention that he and his family need. His story is a testament to the impact of comprehensive care — addressing not only medical needs but also emotional and spiritual well-being, all while bringing light and joy into his world.

For more information about the Cardinal Kids Program, please visit www.carolinacaring.org.

ABOUT CARDINAL KIDS - Cardinal Kids, part of Carolina Caring, provides specialized palliative and hospice care for children with serious illnesses. The program supports not only the child but the entire family, offering medical, emotional, and spiritual care to improve the quality of life and ensure comfort throughout their journey.

ABOUT CAROLINA CARING - Carolina Caring, founded in 1979, is an independent, community-based, nonprofit healthcare provider. It specializes in programs that offer relief from chronic conditions, serious illnesses, and the challenges they bring, including palliative medicine and hospice care for all ages, primary care and grief counseling. Carolina Caring serves 12 counties across western North Carolina and the Charlotte Region. For more information, please call 828.466.0466 or visit www.CarolinaCaring.org