Children’s Mercy to ‘tower’ among the best

If you are young and healthy, news about a $200 million project to erect a research tower at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City may seem so distant.

After all, when you’re young and fortunate in matters concerning health, perhaps you don’t even care to know locations on Hospital Hill. When you’re young and healthy, a hospital is, well, for others … for old folks. Except when it’s not.

A couple of weeks ago, our 5-year-old grandson (who survived a brain tumor at age 2) unexpectedly had to replace the shunt in his head which drains and thus equalizes fluids within his skull. His unexpected “same day” surgery was a hard reminder for us all on how good health is fragile and should never be taken for granted.

As it is so often for young families in such circumstances, the shock of unexpected surgery only added to an already stress-filled time. That same week the engine light on the family’s pickup signaled serious motor damage, threatening major expense.

The mother, recovering from her own surgery and still unable to lift or handle their infant in any normal way, was frustrated while trying to heal. And the 3-year-old daughter hit her teeth so hard on a dresser drawer handle that the dentist pronounced plans to pull her front baby teeth out.

What a week. Happy new year. And then came the surgery to repair the malfunctioning shunt.

What would so many families throughout the region do without Children’s Mercy Hospital? And yet, for many of us and until we find ourselves walking those halls and seeing firsthand the trials that others face, this beacon of hope is often forgotten.

Three years ago I was gushing about the professional care and follow-through our family received at Children’s Mercy Hospital. But then two weeks ago I must admit to being confused for a moment, pulling off Hwy. 71 after leaving I-35 in search of the hospital’s entrance off Gillham Road.

The new tower will clarify things. When completed, the tower will be the tallest building on Hospital Hill. The glass facade planned for the north side, visible from downtown KC, will be a major style departure from the traditional red brick of the rest of the hospital. But the new construction is not just something for looks.

The new 9-story research tower is slated to be completed by 2020. The hospital’s research space will increase from about 66,000 sq. ft. to about 375,000 sq. ft., someday housing up to 3,000 employees. But not at first. Hospital administrators prudently plan to leave three floors as shells to support future expansion.

The new building is needed to expand the Children’s Research Institute. This will enable Children’s Mercy in Kansas City to compete with facilities in Cincinnati, Boston and Philadelphia according to an article published in the KC Star.

The article also recognized a $75 million donation from the Sutherland Foundation. The Hall Family Foundation is also adding $75 million toward the estimated $200 million in construction costs. There is no tax money involved in this project; this entire project is depending on charitable donations.

Such philanthropy, of course, should be applauded. But, frankly, that’s not what I’m thinking about.

It was late that evening when the doctors and nurses assured everyone that our grandson was going to be just fine. Although serious, the surgery was actually considered routine and fully within the scope of that hospital’s environment. We’re told that similar surgeries will probably occur five or six more times in a normal life span. So, prayers answered, we decided to go back home.

We had yet to eat supper. We chose a Waffle House and as we were seated, we were practically the only customers. The waitress picked up on our low — mostly tired — spirits, and asked us how things were. We explained how we were on our way back home from Children’s Mercy and how much we hated to leave our loved ones at the hospital (again).

Actually, I’m embarrassed to say I just sat there in a pity party that weariness doesn’t excuse, especially in light of all the assurances from the doctors. The waitress (her name is Miranda) listened and said “Let’s get you something to eat and on your way home.”

While we ate our waffle, she timidly returned to our table to show us a picture of her daughter on her cell phone.

Miranda told us how her 9-month-old was born with problems. She cannot eat but instead is fed through stomach tubes, and has multiple other serious complications. Miranda said her daughter just finished 104 consecutive days at Children’s Mercy … and how the doctors in Kansas City say they need to go to Baltimore because the suffering her daughter faces is known in only about 117 rare cases worldwide!

The little waitress softly said all this in such calm and steady way before pivoting to return to her work. Needless to say, I nearly emptied my wallet to her after we paid our bill. But it seems to me that Miranda was the one giving me the tip on perhaps a way to say thanks to Children’s Mercy Hospital for what’s being done there every day.

No, I cannot add a million dollars into the pot to help elevate Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. How ’bout you? But the dollars we can send to Children’s can make a difference. Perhaps we need to take time to be thankful … and then demonstrate it’s more than just a fleeting emotion.

Maybe someday a young mother like Miranda won’t be facing the unexpected expenses of traveling to Baltimore, to stay where, for who knows how long, on the wages of a waitress.

Maybe someday at least the travel expense will only be across town to Gillham Road in Kansas City and, hopefully, to be with more familiar faces as we confront the unknown.

Her name is Miranda. She needs our prayers.