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By Mark Huard
WINSLOW — William Alger, 12, has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes complications in the respiratory and digestive systems. He typically visits the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland once every year or so for a “clean-out,” which is a 14-day course of antibiotics administered through an IV.
This year, William went to the hospital Jan. 31 and returned home Feb. 2.
The goals of the hospital stay were to improve his lung function and to gain weight. Healthy weight has a direct correlation to higher lung function in CF patients. William stayed busy working through his treatments, and with his tutor stayed caught up on his academics. He worked hard in physical therapy as well and getting lots of exercise to stay strong. He also got to have some fun with the playroom staff and other kids at the hospital.
William’s mother, Esther Bullard, said, “Our time here is filled with sleepless nights, busy days and an enormous effort to improve William’s overall health outcomes. One of the blessings here at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is that special guests come and meet with the kids, providing much needed encouragement.”
That day, William got to meet New England Patriot Rob Gronkowski. “It was an incredible, unforgettable surprise,” Bullard said.
“Gronk was so kind and humble,” she said. “He took time to talk with William. We chatted about the Super Bowl game, and he asked ‘So, what’s your favorite sport?’ And William responded, ‘Well, it’s lacrosse,’ which was so funny. Gronk wasn’t expecting that answer (obviously), and he said ‘Tthat’s cool, I’ve never played lacrosse,’
“And of course, William said Gronk was his favorite football player, and that the Patriots are his favorite team,” Bullard said.
PHOTO: William Alger, 12, of Winslow, gets a visit from New England Patriot Rob Gronkoski while William was in the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland recently. (Submitted photo)
