If I die
In preparing these articles, The
Sun relied on medical records, R.J.'s
personal journals and interviews with
family, friends, physicians, teachers
and others.
The Sun received permission from
R.J., his mother, Michele Voigt, and
the Johns Hopkins Children's Center
to be present during the last four weeks
of R.J.'s life, except, at his mother's
request, his death.
Most of the events described in
this series were witnessed by the reporter and photographer. In addition, 15 families who have lost children, as well as more than 70 health
care professionals, were interviewed.
Mom fulfills son's wish by helping other kids
For a short time yesterday, Johns Hopkins Children's Center patient Bradley Shipley got to be just another toddler in a toy store, albeit one set up in a hospital conference room for young patients like him. Full story...
Part 1 of 4: Never Give Up
The most difficult journey
That night after everyone had gone, when it was late and the hospital was quiet, the boy savored his triumph. Full story...
Part 2 of 4: The Angels are Coming
Buying time at a heavy price
The summer storm had been brewing for hours. From his hospital bed, R.J. Voigt looked out the tall window and watched the lightning streak across the gray sky. Full story...
Part 3 of 4: Final Choices
Learning how to say goodbye
No one knew why the boy started shimmying, going for the corners of his hospital bed. R.J. Voigt was suddenly restless, agitated. The 12-year-old kept calling out for his mom. But he didn't seem to know what he wanted. She kept asking the doctors, "Is this a sign?" Full story...
Part 4 of 4: Aftershocks
Living on, with heartbreak
The list seemed too long for one person to read, so the small group took turns. They stood round a table in a hushed conference room that December night a year ago. The grieving parents were far from the hospital, but as the wind and rain blew outside, the people who had looked after their children called out the names. Full story...
Resources
Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care Full story...
Pediatric Palliative Care Q&A
Louise Montgomery, Denton, Maryland: I work with Palliative Patients at my center, most of which are elderly, I have a difficult time with people I have grown attached to. Please tell me how to help myself as well as other staff with grieving. Full story...
Copyright © 2009, The Baltimore Sun
