Here at La Rabida, we strive to impact people forever. Not just our kids, but their entire families. The goal? Let them *be* kids -- and help them get home, as soon as medically possible. Such was the case for former patient Tom Klingberg.

In 1952, Tom was a kindergartener when doctors diagnosed him with rheumatic fever. His family physician broke the news to his parents. Their son was very ill, and would need to be hospitalized immediately.

And so they set out for La Rabida. The hospital, known back then for its successful treatment of children with rheumatic fever, was 35 miles away from their West Chicago home.

“Unfortunately, my father worked long hours for the railroad so he couldn’t visit much,” Tom recalls. “However, my favorite aunt, Aunt Madeline, and my Uncle would visit me every Wednesday.”

Tom says being away from home was hard – really hard.

“I remember having to sit through a lot of painful blood draws,” Tom says. “But once a very kind janitor came in to hold my hand as I was being stuck. He was a large man, with hands like hams, but his kindness is what has always remained with me.”

Luckily, Tom recovered without any complications and got to go home. He says he credits the medical staff at La Rabida for his speedy recovery. 70 years later he still thinks about his time on the lake. The U.S. Army veteran-turned long-distance runner says “thanks” just doesn’t seem like enough.

“I probably didn’t tell you when I was sent home at 5 years old, so I’ll tell you now,” he says. “Thank you so very much for all of the wonderful care you gave me and all of the other children.”

Now 74 years old, Tom wants to encourage kids and families who are patients with the hospital today.

“I know how hard it is to be sick and be away from home – I was there,” he says. “Try hard to do everything the doctors and nurses tell you to do so you can get well and be back home soon!”