Four-year-old LOGAN O'NEAL arrived at CHRISTUS Schumpert St. Mary Place ready to have his wish come true. He was about to take a ride aboard a helicopter. His small, weak body was held securely in his father's arms, his angelic head resting on Dad's shoulder.
Logan, a patient of CHRISTUS Schumpert Hospice, has a highly malignant tumor of the pancreas. He was diagnosed in 1998. On
this particular afternoon, CHRISTUS Schumpert Hospice staff and the Life Air Rescue crew gathered to see Logan's wish to ride aboard a helicopter come true.
Christine Hunter, RN, Logan's Hospice nurse, heard about his wish for a helicopter ride during a conversation with his mother. She worked with the CHRISTUS Schumpert Hospice team and Life Air Rescue to organize the ride.
During the past two years, Logan and his parents traveled to and from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the specialized treatments in hopes of a cure. During this time, the family received an enormous outpouring of support from their friends and family of the small community of Shongaloo, Louisiana. "The family is remarkable," Hunter said. "The strength, courage and love that flows among them can be seen and felt with each visit."
After more than two years of treatments and transfusions, Logan and his parents made the decision to stop the chemotherapy. The treatments were taking a toll on Logan's small body. During the trips to St. Jude's, Logan had made friends with several children, some of whom have now passed away. Logan's grandmother said that he knows that he will join his friends in heaven and that one day he will be reunited with his family there, as well.
As the helicopter lifted off the helipad, Logan raised his hand and waved to all those on the ground. According to his mother, Logan was alert and excited during the ride that took them over many sites, including the Louisiana State Fair and the Red River.
Logan's Hospice social worker, Linda Eaton, said that the courage and spiritual faith of the O'Neal family have touched her. "They make each day count for Logan. Although the family has tears and moments of sadness, they focus on enjoying the time they have with Logan and on fulfilling his wishes," Eaton said. "It has been inspiring to watch this family celebrate each day. It would be easy for his parents to keep him at home, resting to preserve his strength. Instead, they choose to ask Logan what he would like to do and respect his choice."
As the CHRISTUS Schumpert Hospice team has observed, Logan's story is a remarkable reminder of what is truly important in life: loving and caring for each other and being grateful for the lessons and moments of joy that each day brings. Logan and his celebration of each day have a special place in the hearts of many.
