Charlie's Story

It takes an entire team in a variety of roles to make a healthcare experience exceptional. This is just one of the many stories of exceptional care at Crossing Rivers Health. This is Charlie's journey with care close to home.

Marti Post, Compliance/Privacy Officer and Medical Staff Coordinator at Crossing Rivers Health, shared her story not as an employee, but as a mom of a patient who experienced extraordinary care at Crossing Rivers Health.

In January of 2022, Marti's three children fell ill. While Charlie’s brother and sister recovered quickly, Charlie’s health didn’t improve. Concerned by his symptoms, Marti scheduled an appointment with Kristen Huber, MD, at the Crossing Rivers Health Clinic. She listened, ordered lab work, and reassured Marti, stating, “It's going to make you feel better, and I’m going to feel better too.”

The Post family settled in that evening for their typical Friday movie night. Unexpectedly, Marti's phone rang. Initially thinking it might be a work call, she answered. On the other end was Matthew Snitker, DNP, the provider on-call. Charlie’s lab results had come back with critical values. Matt’s calm and steady guidance provided much-needed clarity during a time of uncertainty. He immediately contacted the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, in Iowa City, to ensure Charlie would be seen without delay.

That night, Charlie was admitted to floor 11, the pediatric oncology floor, and immediately received a blood transfusion. The diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia, a rapidly progressing cancer. After nine days, Charlie was discharged, but his journey was far from over.

Charlie’s treatment plan included living within a two-hour drive from Iowa City. Crossing Rivers Health became their bridge to care. Cancer is scary, especially in a child, but the staff at Crossing Rivers Health rose to the challenge. Every time Charlie had a fever, it was considered a medical emergency, often occurring in the middle of the night. The staff accessed his tiny port, just like at the Children’s Hospital, and precisely handled each local blood draw, drawing blood successfully, on the first attempt, every time.

Charlie's treatment plan was intense: nearly 500 doses of chemotherapy, administered both orally and through his port, 17 lumbar punctures, nine blood transfusions, two surgeries, two bone marrow biopsies, and countless IV antibiotics. Most of the antibiotics were administered at Crossing Rivers Health, preventing sepsis and avoiding additional trips to Iowa City.

The ability to receive high-quality care locally was a blessing. Marti expressed her gratitude, saying, “I really want the staff at Crossing Rivers Health to know how extraordinary they are. You need to know that you kept a young child alive… Don’t ever forget how important you are.” Marti noted that each role at the hospital contributed to Charlie's survival and care.

Recently, Charlie completed his cancer treatment and celebrated by ringing the bell at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Recognizing the significant role they played in Charlie’s journey, Crossing Rivers Health also hosted their own bell-ringing ceremony to honor Charlie and his family.

When Charlie was diagnosed, he was four years old; six seemed so far away. Today, he is a happy, healthy six-year-old. Because of the exceptional care provided, Charlie’s journey continues.

Charlie’s story is a testament to the extraordinary care and dedication of the Crossing Rivers Health team. It is a reminder that, in a rural healthcare facility, every role is important and contributes to the outcomes experienced by patients like Charlie.