Erik Knotts
By The Knotts Family

The people at Rainbow are part of the miracle that we call "Erik's Story."  Erik became critically ill very quickly in June of 2000.  He was transported to Rainbow for expert medical care.  Erik received that and so much more that summer.  Rainbow saved Erik's life and has helped him to become the healthy, energetic little boy that he is today. 

Sixty two days in the hospital.  Five of those weeks spent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.  Erik had a rare infectious disease that is very serious.  He has endured almost a dozen surgical procedures, including the amputation of both of his legs.  The skills and knowledge of the medical team are why Erik is still here today.  But one of the best parts of Erik's care was that it was family-centered.  We were able to stay with him during the whole hospitalization.  The hospital staff kept us informed the entire time.  It was important to us that we were able to be involved.  Having an ill child makes  you feel so out of control...being able to be with your child and to have daily contact with all of the medical staff caring for your child makes that easier.  The Child Life Specialists helped to make a terrible situation bearable.  They cared for Erik as a little boy, not just as a patient, and for the rest of us as his family.

Erik beat the odds.  We were at the right hospital with the right doctors and got the best care in the PICU.  The people at Rainbow have touched our lives in so many ways.  Medicine and doctors saved his life.  The nurses, physical therapists and pediatric surgeons have helped him heal.  They have shared in our joy as he continues to grow and surprise us all.  Erik is a walking miracle.  Rainbow helped make that miracle possible.   

We have so many people to thank at Rainbow.  Click here to check out our list!