For 15-year-old Jaxon Scheff, Sanford Children’s Hospital is like a second home.
Jaxon and his 11-year-old brother, Jeren, were each born with a combination of rare genetic conditions. Since birth, these two have each spent countless hours at the Castle of Care, where pediatric specialists and researchers have developed customized care plans and treatment strategies to help each boy live beyond the limits of their condition.
Over the years, the Castle has become a lifeline to comfort and healing for the Scheff family — offering not only lifesaving care and meaningful programs, but also the strength of community and the promise of hopeful futures.
“Their genetic imperfections are something that can’t be fixed, so we depend on the community here at Sanford, and the boys will forever depend on this,” the boys’ mother, Jen, said.
No matter how difficult or complex their health care journeys have been, Jen said the Castle has always surrounded the family with the love and kindness they’ve needed to navigate the road ahead.
“You never really understand the impact of community, fundraising or the Foundation until you have a child that’s been in the hospital. Then, once you become part of the Castle family, you understand the importance. The dollars matter. Every amount (adds up) and provides lifesaving services so that we can have miracles like my boys.”
Jaxon agreed.
“If the Castle didn’t have the funding it does, I probably wouldn’t be here right now,” he said.
Heartbeat by Jaxon Scheff
Wanting to express his gratitude for his care, earlier this year Jaxon wrote “Heartbeat,” a poem about his experience at the Castle:
In the heart of the Castle, where hope softly glows,
The walls whisper stories, where compassion flows.
Each room is a canvas, painted with care,
A haven for children, where love fills the air.
The laughter of healing, like music it sings,
With every small heartbeat, the joy that it brings.
In the light of their kindness, worries take flight,
In this magical place, darkness turns bright.
The nurses are guardians, with hands warm and strong,
They lift up the spirits, where courage belongs.
Doctors like wizards, with knowledge profound,
In the castle of healing, miracles abound.
Give for Good
If you’re inspired by this story and want to join our work to further transform pediatric health care, we invite you to Give for Good today. 100% of your gift through the Sanford Health Foundation will help advance world-class pediatric care and specialty programs to help local kids get better, faster, close to home.