To celebrate our 100th anniversary at Children’s Minnesota, we’re looking back on the impact our kid experts have had on patients and families in Minnesota and across the region.
Meet Meghan Fiala. In 1989, when Meghan was just 9 months old, her parents noticed one of her eyes looked red and puffy. The family couldn’t have predicted what came next.
Meghan was diagnosed with acute myolegenous leukemia (AML), a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells. In infants at that time, AML was extremely difficult to treat.
“It was devastating,” said John, Meghan’s dad. “I remember thinking, well, that’s got to be a mistake. That can’t be happening to us or her.”
As an infant and toddler, Meghan underwent intensive chemotherapy, two bone marrow transplants and full body radiation. There were times that the family didn’t think Meghan would make it.
But thanks to the care she received at Children’s Minnesota, Meghan has been in remission since November 1990 and is now thriving. She has since become a teacher, got married and is living a full and vibrant life. Just recently, Meghan and her husband adopted their daughter, Charlotte.
Even decades after her harrowing health journey passed, Meghan has never forgotten her care team, including Dr. Bruce Bostrom, a now-retired Children’s Minnesota oncologist. Over the years, Meghan made sure to send Dr. Bruce an annual holiday card, never forgetting the kindness he showed her family and how he played such a pivotal role in giving her a new chance at life.
“I remember Dr. Bruce being a source of comfort. He was always kind and brought information down to my level so I could understand what he was talking about,” said Meghan. “I went through years of follow-ups and never felt anxious going to the doctor because I received such great care from Children’s Minnesota.”
Watch as Meghan and her parents are reunited with Dr. Bostrom for the first time in decades.
Celebrating a century of care: Children’s Minnesota turns 100
Children’s Minnesota has been here for 100 years. And it’s all because of you: the people who bring your kids here, the ones who work here, the partners who refer their young patients for specialty treatment, the donors who support us, and the community who rallies around the families in our hospitals. Join us in celebrating a century of care — and a bright, healthy future for Minnesota kids.
