Emplify Health by Gundersen radiation therapist uses artistic talent to comfort pediatric patient
Luke Willenbring, a 10-year-old from La Crosse, faced his neuroblastoma (cancer) journey with remarkable courage and perseverance. Known affectionately as “mono”, Spanish for monkey, Luke received part of his care and treatment at Emplify Health by Gundersen.
His treatment plan included 12 rounds of radiation therapy over the course of two and a half weeks, which he approached with a unique blend of bravery and playfulness.
Luke needed to wear a special mask to keep his body positioned and stabilized during targeted bouts of radiation — and little did he know just how special his mask would become.
One day, while touring treatment machines with his family and recreation therapist Cheri Hill, Luke was awestruck when he noticed Cheri wearing a ‘Luke Strong’ shirt made by his family, fittingly adorned with a monkey on the back of the shirt.
Radiation therapist Shaela Roskom, who is also a gifted artist, excitedly offered up her creative talent to paint an image of a monkey onto Luke’s radiation mask.
Shaela successfully replicated the monkey from the ‘Luke Strong’ shirt, transforming the mask into a heartwarming and symbolic part of Luke's treatments.
The monkey mask became an encouraging ray of hope for Luke amid the discomfort and duration of radiation therapy. His care team says he always remained relaxed and cooperative, with a positive attitude that was infectious. They even recall a particular treatment session when Luke said he wanted to keep coming back because of how much he enjoyed their company.
“When I first had the pleasure of meeting Luke, he brought every little bit of positive energy and was very excited for what I'd be able to come up with for his mask,” Shaela says. “Painting Luke's mask and being able to encounter someone so young with a mindset as incredible as his was the highlight of my career so far, without a doubt."
Luke and his family formed strong bonds with his care team at Emplify Health. Staff truly enjoyed getting to know and treat Luke, often playing games with him before his treatments to comfort and ease him into the process, highlighting the close, supportive nature of the relationships built all throughout his care journey.
“He is an incredible person, and that shows through his energy and strength that he has gained through an experience that no young child should ever go through,” Shaela says. “Luke is a genuine inspiration, and the unwavering support he receives from his family is unmatched.”
Luke and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by his doctors, Lindsay Morris, MD; and Jen Orozco, MD; and the entire staff in the Radiation Oncology and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology departments. Their kindness and dedication had a significant impact on Luke's treatment journey.
“It has been such a pleasure taking care of Luke,” Dr. Morris says. “He always has a smile and radiates positivity. I am glad we were able to offer his radiation treatments here at Emplify Health by Gundersen, so he can get high-quality care close to his home and family.”
Though he’s officially completed radiation therapy, Luke continues receiving infusions and immunotherapy, surrounded by the familiar support and compassion of his Emplify Health by Gundersen care team every step of the way.