Three year-old Charlie Spetman enters the Buena Vista Regional Oncology & Infusion Center and greets the staff with a smile and wave like he would with friends. He is a friend, and a patient, that comes every other month for treatments to help his brittle bone disease.
Brittle bone disease is passed through genetics and rare. His father and sister also have the disease. His mother recalls an appointment at the Mayo Clinic where a doctor said, “I’ve met five people with this disease, and three are right here in this room.”
When Charlie was born he had multiple fractures in his ribs and arms. His family spent time at the Mayo Clinic and Children’s Hospital in Omaha to find the best treatment plans. About a year ago Charlie received a port (a medical device that allows easy access to administer medicine) which allowed him to receive his regular treatments at BVRMC in Storm Lake.
Each treatment can take around four hours, which requires the impossible task of keeping a toddler confined in a chair or bed for that long of a time. Recently, with funds from the AWARE program, the Oncology & Infusion Center purchased virtual reality goggles.
The user puts on these special goggles to see images that distract and better relax a patient through treatment. Now Charlie can focus on farm animals, fighting virtual germs and, his current favorite, bears.
“We were just all amazed by it the first time,” says dad Mike. “It’s hard to keep him seated for four hours and we really appreciate the ability to use the goggles.”
“The staff is so awesome,” says mom Heather. “When Charlie walks in the room he flirts with the staff, they let him ‘help’ with things like pushing the levers on the bed, and they actually take the time to play with him.”
“Sometimes you think you have to go to a big hospital to get great care, but we are lucky great care is right here. Don’t be afraid to check out the local services,” says Heather.
AWARE is a local fund for BVRMC patients fighting cancer that is led by BVRMC employees. AWARE funds all stay locally and help people with personal recovery items or items to help patients in the BVRMC Oncology & Infusion Center.