Meet Bonita
Bonita is one of Luca's favorite nurses. Always smiling and laughing, she cares for him like she would one of her own.
Born and raised in Queens, she now lives in Orange County with her husband and three kids. She started at Sloan-Kettering right after nursing school 18 years ago, and has been here ever since. Bonita loves her patients, and feels that caring for children with cancer is what she was meant to do. "The kids don't complain like the adults do," she jokes. "Honestly, you have to be a little crazy to love doing what we do every day."
Luca has known Bonita for nearly a month, and she's seen him change and grow in the hospital. "He's turned into such a strong little puppy, and I can't wait to see him grow up. If I could take him home I would." Bonita has taught us to treat Luca as a "regular" baby, and not just as a sick baby. She's also helped us stay positive, even on the rough days. Thanks Bonita!
What a nice nurse you have Baby Luca. I heard she is your favorite?? Well I don't blame you, she is taking very good care of you.
Love,
Nicole
Posted by: Michelle Cimino | April 04, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Thank you Bonita, for being a light in the lives of these three beautiful people and their family.
Posted by: Leigh | April 04, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Hi Luca,
We hope you are doing well today. We pray for you every night and asked lots of other people to pray for you too. You should feel some extra prayers come your way tomorrow because 50 BC High boys will be spending 45 minutes in the chapel praying for you.
Eli can't wait to meet you. He promises not to sit on you or bang you with his cups. He wants to know what you're listening to these days.
Posted by: Beth, Matt and Eli | April 03, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Baby Luca,
You are so blessed to have the wonderful staff at Sloan taking good care of you. I'm sure they fall in love the minute they meet you. You are a beautiful strong little boy and we are all so proud of you.
Can't wait to meet you little man!!!
Love,
Joanne, Brian, Alex & Alaina
Posted by: Brian, Joanne, Alexander & Alaina Craig | April 03, 2008 at 04:56 PM
I am so glad Bonita is there to keep her eye on Luca. He is sooo beautiful and I am sending all my prayers and thoughts his way to stay strong!
Posted by: Allyson Remon | April 03, 2008 at 02:51 PM
What an angel GOD has sent to take care of Luca!!
Lots of Love,
Lauri, Kara and Michael
Posted by: Lauri, Kara and Michael | April 03, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I Love You So Much Luca! You are so blessed to have such a wonderful nursing staff caring for you at Sloan Kettering. God is really looking after you because he has sent so many beautiful angels to guide you through this fight and always protect you from harm. You are always in my prayers:
Love Always,
Rina
Posted by: Rina Allawh | April 03, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Dear Manal and Greg all my hopes and prayers to your beautiful baby Luca.May god bless him and help him get better.we thank god for this lovely Bonita that god had sent . Bonita is one of the angles. Luca is surrounded by many angels. stay strong and luca will be fine
xoxoxoxo
love you
Mona,Josehp,Nick and Tony
Posted by: mona ,joseph,nich&tony | April 03, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Dear Manal and Greg all my hopes and prayers to your beautiful baby Luca.May god bless him and help him get better.we thank god for this lovely Bonita that god had sent . Bonita is one of the angles. Luca is surrounded by many angels. stay strong and luca will be fine
xoxoxoxo
love you
Mona,Josehp,Nick and Tony
Posted by: mona ,joseph,nich&tony | April 03, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I had the privilege of visiting with our precious Luca. Bonita and all the medical team offer such tremendous care and compassion. Our Lord works through them and Manal & Greg to protect Luca as he becomes stronger. Luca's network of family and friends continue to provide him with the spiritual support he needs right now.
I'm sending you endless love, hugs and kisses, Luca Dukes. Can't wait to see you again!
Nana V.
Posted by: Nana V | April 03, 2008 at 07:27 AM
GOD has sent a beautiful angel named Bonita to care for our little Luca. We are so lucky to have her in Luca's life!
All our love to Luca!
Irene, Nabil, Rina and Tee
Posted by: Irene | April 02, 2008 at 10:38 PM
We love anyone who takes care of our little Baby Luca!
Luca- did you tell nurse Bonita about all of your cousins at home in Syracuse? Bonita must truly be an amazing person and we are grateful for her too!
Hugs & Kisses,
xoxoxoxo
Holly, Andy & the boys
Posted by: Holly, Andy, Tommy & Matthew Kane | April 02, 2008 at 04:44 PM