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November 9, 2007
Boy’s story inspires family to make handmade blankets for children with illnesses
In overcoming leukemia, Dustin Burkman, 8, of Marquette has found comfort and security snuggling up in a handmade blanket that he received when he was diagnosed four years ago.
Dustin’s 85-year-old great grandmother, Irene Eagle of Gladstone, appreciated the handmade blanket so much that she was inspired to make blankets for other sick children. In doing so, she found that making blankets helped her cope with the stress of her grandson’s battle with his illness.
From left, Marquette General Hospital Clinical Manager for Pediatrics, Sue Britton; Women’s and Children's Center Program Director, Connie Koutouzos; Pediatrics nurse Mary Ulmstead; Dustin Burkman and Corinna Burkman gather in the Pediatric Unit playroom at MGH. They’re shown admiring a colorful blanket made by a volunteer when Dustin was first diagnosed with leukemia.
Over the past few years, Irene recruited her six daughters, Pat Valiquette, Judy Moreau, Alice Eagle, Sue Guindon, Barb Dahn, and Dustin’s other grandmother, Jean Johnson of Gladstone. They all made blankets and quilts for hospital pediatric units, including the one at Marquette General.
Recently, Dustin’s family, including his mom, Corinna Burkman, a 21-year employee of Marquette General, visited the Pediatric Unit play room at Marquette General and gifted a number of blankets to the Marquette General Foundation (www.mgh.org/foundation) to be used in Pediatrics.
Dustin’s parents, Corinna and Richard Burkman, said that during his treatment, Dustin’s blanket became a source of security and hope.
“Dustin took his blanket everywhere,” Corinna recalled.
Today, Dustin is in remission and like other 8-year-old boys, he enjoys sports with his dad, riding his scooter and playing with friends.
The donated blanket helped to provide Dustin with a sense of security while going through the rigors of treatment, and this led his family to make blankets and help make a difference for other children facing serious illnesses.
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