Atlanta Celebrates Young Heroes on Cape Day
In the heart of Atlanta, a special event takes place each year that brings hope, encouragement, and a whole lot of courage to the forefront. Known as Cape Day, this annual celebration by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is all about shining a spotlight on the amazing young patients who are bravely facing their health challenges.
Meet Bennett Richardson: A Young Warrior
At just ten years old, Bennett Richardson is one of those remarkable young champions. Bennett is a fifth grader with a big love for baseball and basketball – and he’s got the champion rings and trophies to prove he gives it his all on the field and the court. But what’s hidden beneath those accolades is Bennett’s courageous battle with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic condition causing inflammation in the digestive tract.
Bennett navigates a world of challenging symptoms often faced by kids with Crohn’s, like disabling belly pain, nausea, and vomiting. Dr. Chathruckan Rajendra, who cares for Bennett at Children’s Healthcare, notes, “One in about 10,000 kids are diagnosed with Crohn’s in North America. Kids with Pediatric Crohn’s Disease have some pretty significant GI symptoms.”
The Diagnosis Journey
The Richardson family vividly remembers the day Bennett was diagnosed two years ago. “We looked him in the eyes and said, ‘Crohn’s does not define you, you’re going to define your Crohn’s,'” shares Bennet’s mom, Laura Leigh Richardson. From that moment, Bennett embarked on his journey to manage Crohn’s, which included treatments like infusions.
Bennett admits feeling scared and uncertain at the start. “I was really scared when I got my first treatment or infusion because I had no idea what was going to happen. I was so scared I didn’t want to do it at all.”
Heroes Come in All Forms
Enter two unique heroes: a child life specialist and a facility dog. These marvelous helpers made a world of difference for Bennett. The facility dog brought light and courage into his treatments, changing fear into resolve. Bennett’s mom recalls, “The relief on his face when Ellie and Flo showed up was huge. Thank you, Lord, this is a blessing. Let’s power through and continue to get his Crohn’s into remission.”
Bennett feels Ellie and Flo are more than just helpers – to him, they’re heroes. “If you’re scared like I was, when I first had Crohn’s and I first met Flo and Ellie, they’re just going to be your hero,” says Bennett. Dr. Rajendra highlights how facility dogs can greatly ease the stress and anxiety of entering a big medical facility for young patients.
Back in Action
Two years on, with courage and support, Bennett is thriving. Back on the baseball field, he exemplifies determination, teaching others that a diagnosis does not define them. Bennet’s mom proudly points out, “If you look at him, you’d never know that he was an autoimmune warrior facing such daily battles.”
As for Bennett, his outlook is again vibrant and determined, “I don’t like that I have Crohn’s, but nobody knows it, and I’m not scared of it right now.” Through their stories, Cape Day becomes more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the power of resilience, love, and the incredible drive of young heroes like Bennett.
