This Christmas will look different for one local family as they plan to create a meaningful holiday celebration with a daughter in the hospital. This is not the first time the Logue family has faced a long-term hospitalization for a child. Their son, Philip, was diagnosed with Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL), a genetic disorder of the nerve cells. At age 8, he was hospitalized for nine months before he lost his battle with the disorder. The Logue’s 10-year-old daughter, Joyanna, also inherited NCL and is being treated at Bethany Children’s Health Center.
The nonprofit pediatric hospital specializes in 24-hour complex care and pediatric rehabilitation. Originally founded as an orphanage in 1898, the organization remains faithful to the mission of founder Mattie Mallory and provides long-term care for children with complex medical needs, becoming a second home for these families. The Logues have embraced the mission of Bethany Children’s and have faith in the care of their child.
“As parents, we believe there is no other place like Bethany Children’s,” said Becca Logue. “I’m sure there are great pediatric facilities, but we are most assured in the care here because Bethany Children’s acknowledges that a child’s worth comes from God and asks for His help in the care of the children.”
This Christmas, because traditional holiday trips or activities can be difficult for a child with complex medical needs, Becca and her husband, Ben, consider celebrations from Joyanna’s perspective.
“There are times when having a child with special needs requires a special mindset,” said Becca. “The holiday activities at Bethany Children’s and the friends that Joyanna will celebrate Christmas with will bring her so much joy. We love this for her!”
The hospital’s annual giving campaign, Joy of Christmas, offers individuals, churches and other community groups the opportunity to purchase gifts for patients or wish list items selected by therapists and educators at Bethany Children’s. Online purchasing from the hospital’s lists is made simple through Amazon, and items are delivered directly to Bethany Children’s in time for holiday celebrations and gift opening.
Knowing that Bethany Children’s has support from the community is especially meaningful to the Logues.
“Everyone wants to be understood and appreciated,” shared Becca. “When you walk through emotional times, it’s great to know that someone has your back. God has given us a great support system, including the staff at Bethany Children’s, but it’s always encouraging to know there are others who care and feel passionately about bringing joy to others at this time of year.”
As she reflects on the upcoming holiday celebrations, Becca adds: “It is so neat to think that someone who is not connected to our family can purchase wish list items that will directly affect our child.”
For families like the Logues, financial support for Bethany Children’s is also greatly appreciated.
“When caring for children with special needs, there are always new innovations and therapies that are costly but will have a big impact on their quality of life — we need help with those,” said Becca. “The leadership of Bethany Children’s has such a vision for excellence in care. Donations from the community can help those visions materialize. Whatever is given, we are grateful for how it helps Bethany Children’s to continue their excellent and comprehensive care for our child.”
For more information or to donate to Bethany Children’s Health Center’s Joy of Christmas campaign, visit bethanychildrens.org/joy-of-
