Day By Day

Dennis Blankenship holds his 18-month-old son Ethan as he makes faces at his mother Friday, November 21, 2008, at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Ethan received a bone marrow transplant at the hospital on Monday, November 17. Dennis and Lee Ann Blankenship spend most days in the room with Ethan, the youngest of their five children. (Kit Doyle)

Lee Ann and Dennis Blankenship must constantly keep watch of their son Ethan, whose immune system is very weak, making sure he stays on his bed or is held Friday, November 21, 2008, at St. Louis Children's Hospital. The family was photographed through a window from an adjoining room, due to possible germs. Ethan, who received a bone marrow transplant on November 17, must be kept off the floor for safety, which is difficult with a lively 18-month-old who will also pull out his monitoring tubes if left unattended. (Kit Doyle)

Ethan Blankenship and his mother Lee Ann look out at Forest Park from their room at St. Louis Children's Hospital on Friday, November 21, 2008. (Kit Doyle)

The Blankenships lead secluded lives at St. Louis Children's Hospital, where 18-month-old Ethan is kept behind two doors due to his compromised immune system. Ethan is recovering from a bone marrow transplant. Parents Dennis and Lee Ann Blankenship spend most days at the hospital looking after their youngest child. (Kit Doyle)

Ethan Blankenship is recovering from a bone marrow transplant at St. Louis Children's Hospital. (Kit Doyle)

The Blankenships at St. Louis Children's Hospital with 18-month-old Ethan. (Kit Doyle)