Drew's Story

Sometimes even miracles need a hand

Drew Dotzler, cancer survivor

"Drew always takes the positive side," says his mother Julie Dotzler. "Our family motto is, 'it could always be worse.' Drew has become an inspiration to our whole family."

At just six-years-old, Drew Dotzler was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Drew came to The Nebraska Medical Center where he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant and was soon back on his feet again.

Several years later, a malignant tumor was discovered in Drew's knee. Again, the staff at The Nebraska Medical Center was there to help Drew and his family through a difficult treatment and recovery process. In a rare surgery called rotation plasty, Drew's leg was amputated and his ankle is now used as his knee. With the help of a prosthesis, Drew is back to doing what kids do best -- playing sports like baseball, basketball, roller skating and swimming. "He pushes us all to be stronger people," says Julie. "He just gets up and does it. He inspires us all."

During the most difficult times, Julie says she and her family leaned on hospital staff. "We couldn't have done it without the nurses and doctors at The Nebraska Medical Center," says Julie. "They became our family. They were always available to listen and to answer our questions. It was actually difficult when they told us we didn't need to come back anymore."