Andy's Healing Journey at WakeMed Children’s - Emergency Department

On Sunday morning, April 5, 2026, Mary Elizabeth Walker’s son, Andy, was doubled over in pain — silent, shaking and unable to focus on anything except the sharp, radiating ache in his lower abdomen. His breaths came in quick, shallow pants. The pain moved down his right leg. 

“I have never had to take a child to the ER ever. I’ve been very lucky.”

An Introduction to WakeMed Children's

In that moment, the family needed answers — fast. Gratefully, they found them through the exceptional care available at WakeMed.

From the moment they walked into WakeMed Children’s -Emergency Department, their fear began to ease. Care teams moved with urgency and compassion. Every process was explained. Every question was met with reassurance. Mary Elizabeth and her son felt seen and supported by the team's calm and compassionate approach to care.

Andy was quickly taken back for testing. Soon, he was on his way to WakeMed Imaging Services for an ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan. The team also worked to manage his pain and keep him comfortable through an intravenous (IV) needle inserted to deliver fluids and medication.

Surgical Intervention Required

By that afternoon, pediatric surgeon J. Duncan Phillips, MD, FACS, FAAP, had answers. Andy was admitted to WakeMed Children's Hospital, diagnosed with appendicitis and informed surgery would be necessary.

“The care we received on that floor was so wonderful,” Mary Elizabeth shares. “From each shift change, to food delivery, to nursing student support — and Dr. Duncan Phillips — the surgical team was top-notch.”

The next day, the pediatric team walked them through what the scans showed, why surgery was necessary and what to expect. They made sure both mother and son felt informed and comfortable.

In pre-op, Andy met a Child Life specialist who turned what could have been a scary time into fun. He got to choose his surgical cap and select the flavor for his mask. For a few moments, he escaped thoughts of impending surgery and focused on making a few fun choices.

Before surgery, the team ensured Andy was stable. Afterward, he was cared for by a recovery nurse whose gentleness brought calm reassurance. Before long, he was back in his room at WakeMed Children's Hospital — resting, healing and receiving attentive care.

“I was grateful that every interaction was kind and positive for my son.”

Andy had a small area of perforation of his appendix with a localized abscess, so he stayed two extra days to receive intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring by the pediatric surgery team. They were committed to getting him healthy and ready to return home.

Dr. Phillips explains, "Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children, affecting roughly 80,000 US kids every year.  Without prompt treatment, children can develop severe illness, including peritonitis, sepsis and in rare cases, death.  Following appendectomy, almost all children recovery completely and return to normal health within days to weeks."

Back Home Healthy and Happy

Then, on April 9, Andy was discharged home.

“He was so excited,” says Mary Elizabeth. “But he, too, appreciated all the care and compassion from each person who helped with his case. I was very impressed and appreciative while we were there for several days. It was a wonderful experience — with each person playing an important role in his recovery.”

Sometimes, the most frightening moments open a door to meeting the most amazing people. For Mary Elizabeth and Andy, what began as a day filled with pain became a story of reassurance, expertise and extraordinary compassion — at WakeMed Children's.

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About WakeMed Children's - Emergency Department 

Specifically designed to meet the emergency care needs of children, the Children’s Emergency Department was the first freestanding facility of its kind in North Carolina and the only dedicated Children’s Emergency Department in Wake County, caring for thousands of pediatric patients every year. A non-threatening, comfortable environment with a cheerful atmosphere, bright murals, children’s wall-art and child-sized furnishings. All this and a staff of doctors, nurses and support staff who know how to treat kids like kids, not little adults.

About WakeMed Children's Hospital 

WakeMed Children’s Hospital is proud to be the only pediatric inpatient care provider in Wake County, caring for thousands of babies and children each year and always providing the highest level of care and caring to our youngest patients.

About WakeMed Pediatric Surgery 

Welcome to WakeMed Children's – Pediatric Surgery. Our pediatric surgeons specialize in performing advanced surgical procedures in newborns, infants, toddlers, children and adolescents with locations in east Raleigh, Clayton, Apex and North Raleigh, N.C.