We want to thank the amazing and wonderful Tracey "Pumpkin Muffin" Beedle from Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. We spent 92 days inpatient for my 2-year-old son J's chemotherapy and subsequent fevers and infections. Tracey fell in love with J and changed her schedule so she could be with him three days in a row so he could have consistency. J's chemo protocol was very involved with rescue medications that needed to be given on time. Tracey had his protocol down to an art and when she was his nurse we knew he was getting the best care. Tracey affectionately called him "muffin" and "pumpkin" and would say "J, you are so tasty I'm gonna eat you!" He would laugh and call her "muppin" in return. If there was ever any downtime she would play "get you" with him and allow him to chase her around the section. Having an active two year old in the hospital is challenging and she always helped brighten his days. As a family, we always felt loved and dedication when Tracey was J's nurse. Tracey's personality and demeanor are perfect for making families in crisis feel as though they are cared about.
One time when Mom was at the hospital with J by herself and needed a break but would not ask, Tracey insisted she walk J around the floor in a wagon while Mom took a ten minute breather outside. Another time Dad was frustrated about something he didn't understand and became upset. Tracey could have easily been defensive but instead was compassionate and professional. We also appreciated that Tracey was always extra clean and careful with J's central line maintenance. We adopted "Muffin" standards of cleanliness with J's central line thanks to Tracey.
Being at the hospital is stressful. When we would wake up in the morning after a long night of no sleep and a sick toddler, we could breathe a sigh of relief if we knew Tracey was J's nurse, because we knew he was getting taken care of and nurtured the way we care for our baby.
We love you, Tracey! You will always be in our hearts!