I wish to be a doctor
Melanie
12
kidney transplant
Melanie Becomes a Doctor
Melanie has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Even as a small child, her play would include intubating and operating on her toys, checking her father’s blood pressure, and dressing as a surgeon for every Halloween.
In 2021, Melanie received a life-altering diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, requiring a kidney transplant. Her mother, Araceli, was a perfect match. Araceli happily donated her kidney, determined to see Melanie go on to live her dreams. Melanie's passion for the medical field intensified with each visit to the hospital, taking in all that she could learn through her own treatments. Her own journey solidified her commitment to becoming a doctor, with a new goal specifically to be a pediatric nephrologist, dedicated to helping children facing conditions like hers.
After being referred to Make-A-Wish, Melanie wasted no time in sharing her wish—to be a doctor. Dr. Carlos Becerril-Romero, one of Melanie's physicians was determined to help Melanie’s wish possible. As a transplant recipient himself his enthusiasm for creating this incredible experience stemmed from his own wish journey in 2001. With the support of two nurses from the Health Care Education Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, the collaboration of numerous departments, Northwestern Medicine and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Melanie's wish began to take shape.
Melanie is familiar with the hospital from her numerous visits but during her wish had the chance to see behind the scenes which only staff usually have access to. With a visit to the ambulance bay, where she saw the inner workings of the emergency response, and up to the helicopter pad, where she soaked in views of downtown Chicago while the helicopter made a special stop for the crew to meet Melanie.
Her adventure continued in a mini-medical school designed just for her. She had lessons in triaging, CPR, intubation, casting, and suturing. To close day one, she stood surrounded by her family, physicians, and supporters from across the hospital to accept her diploma and an official white coat presented by Dr. Carlos Becerril-Romero.
Her wish continued the next day when Melanie participated in rounds for simulation patients, providing hands-on care, placing IVs, using AEDs, and intubating. During her rounds, she found her “patient” needed gallbladder removal. The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine's anatomy lab offered a quick refresher, and the opportunity to locate the gallbladder using an ultrasound, which she executed flawlessly. Melanie headed to the Northwestern Simulation Lab to perform her very first surgery, under the guidance of Professor of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Dr. Eric Hungness.
Melanie's wish has become her guiding star, encouraging her to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor. Her aspiration to become a pediatric nephrologist burns brighter than ever, fueled by her personal journey and the challenges she has overcome. In just a few years, Melanie hopes to fill a crucial role as a bilingual physician, bringing medical expertise and the hope that her wish has created to the young patients she will serve. Her story is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the incredible impact a wish can have not only for the child but the community around them.
Follow along on Melanie's wish to be a doctor!