Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Pediatric Lymphoma Service typically treats about five patients with Burkitt's lymphoma a year, which is more than an average community hospital will treat in twice that time. This expertise combined with Weldon's inimitable spirit helped him in his fight against the disease.
"When Weldon arrived, he had a highly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment," Dr. Trippett explains.
On the subject of Weldon's special personality, Dr. Trippett becomes inspired.
"He demonstrated remarkable fortitude from the start to do whatever was required to overcome his disease," she says. "His incomparable spirit and tenacity aided in his treatment success. And he exhibited a charm, which is all his own, that has endeared him to the medical staff."
His charm was so great that within the first two weeks of his treatment Weldon was friends with everyone on the floor. Thanks to that charm and his tenacity, Weldon made it successfully through treatment.
Looking back on his experience, Dr. Trippett considers it a privilege to have treated Weldon.
"It has been very gratifying and rewarding to see him conquer his battle with cancer and to go on to do so well," she says. "I take special pleasure and a little pride in noting that his experience has motivated him to go into medicine as a career. I am certain that he will become an outstanding physician and I will be glad to welcome him as a colleague as he completes his medical studies and training!"
