‘Ringing the bell’ marks milestone in child’s cancer treatment

After 8-year-old Carter Fortin rang a big brass bell on the sixth floor of Comer Children’s Hospital, cheers and applause filled the hallway of the pediatric cancer unit. His parents gave him a big hug. Carter had just finished his last chemotherapy treatment for a brain tumor.

The cancer journey can be filled with many unknowns – hospital visits, inpatient stays, side effects and emotional hardships,” said Jeff Murphy, DNP, RN, vice president of children’s services at Comer Children’s. “The ringing of the bell completes that journey for the patient and, we hope, brings joy to the patient and the family.”

Fatir Khan, RN, BSN, patient care manager on the unit, spearheaded the effort to install the bell on the inpatient unit. “It’s an honor to take care of the young patients who come to our hospital for cancer care,” he said. “Going forward, this new tradition will celebrate all of these superheroes and the dedicated staff who cares for them.”