Finding Life-Saving Care at Nationwide Children's

Rudy Murray started kindergarten this year.

In March of 2011, Rudy Murray was in and out of the hospital in his hometown of Findlay, Ohio several times for fevers. Four emergency room trips in one month is not normal, and Rudy's mom, Addie, knew it. She requested blood work. Doctors at Rudy's hospital in Findlay pre-diagnosed him with leukemia, and within hours the Murray family was on their way to Nationwide Children's. The family was immediately thrown into terrifying and unfamiliar territory-but they felt comfort at Nationwide Children's. Rudy is now in the maintenance phase of his chemotherapy, which means he only visits the hospital once a month, but does oral chemo at home every night.

After countless visits to Columbus for Rudy's treatment, and with three other young children to care for, the Murray family decided to pack up and move two hours south to central Ohio. Now they are closer to Nationwide Children's and have easier access to the care that is saving Rudy's life. This year he started kindergarten and can't wait to make friends, have homework, and just be a kid.

Rudy has good days and bad, but for the most part he's a happy, funny 6-year-old who never gives up. Rudy is going through more than any child should know. Let him be your inspiration to make a planned gift to Nationwide Children's Hospital.