I am a nurse that works in the outpatient hematology/oncology clinic. I had the great pleasure of taking care of Tommy and it was one of the greatest rewards this job could offer.

One of the most difficult parts of my job was the needle sticks or giving him a "poke". He hated it but I think I hated it almost as much. Still to this day it is one of the most difficult parts of this job.

Something that always made it a little easier for Tommy and for all the other kids who get "poked' is the prize that they know is coming after it is all over.

Thanks to Tommy's Gifts for Kids, our prize closet is NEVER empty. If you could see the smiles on their faces when they get their prize! It may not take away the sting of the "poke" but it gives them something to look forward to and they tend to forgive the nurses much easier when there is a gift involved!

We can't thank Tommy's Gifts for Kids enough.

Blake Vai
Hematology/Oncology Nurse
Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children