Leukemia Survivor Spike Dustin, Marquette General Health Systems

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Dustin's Handmade Blanket made by Volunteer
Friday, September 7, 2007
By Michaeleen O’Sullivan, UPfirst feature writer

Marquette, Michigan--"Dustin's just a regular little boy," said Cory LaFave, sitting next to 8-year-old son Dustin, a leukemia survivor, in the Pediatric Play Room at Marquette General Hospital Wednesday.

Cory and Dustin visited MGH today to share their story about a beautiful handmade blanket made by a volunteer and given to Dustin when he was first diagnosed with leukemia.

"Dustin took his blanket everywhere," said Cory. Dustin's 85-year-old Great-Grandmother Irene Eagle appreciated the colorful handmade blanket so much that she began making them for other sick children.

Over the past few years, Great-Grandmother Irene recruited family members, including Dustin's Grandmother Jean Johnson, and his Great-Aunts Alice, Pat, Judy, Sue, and Barb. They all make handmade blankets now and donate them to pediatric units, including MGH and St. Vincent in Green Bay.

Dustin Burkman Summer 2007

MGH Clinical Manager for Pediatrics, Sue Britton;
Women and Children's Center Director Connie Koutouzos;
Pediatrics RN Mary Ulmstad;
Dustin and Cory in the Pediatric Playroom at MGH Wednesday,
admiring a colorful blanket made by a volunteer
when Dustin was first diagnosed with leukemia.
Now Dustin's 85-year old Great-Grandmother Irene Eagle of Gladstone,
and her family, donate handmade blankets to hospital pediatric units,
including MGH and St. Vincent in Green Bay.

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