Here are some pictures of us delivering three of the most recent donations from Rowan's Foundation to Methodist Children's Child Life and Art Therapy Programs. Ironically, you will notice that all three times Rowan ended up being either at the Children's Cancer & Blood Clinic for Infusions, or at Methodist Children's Hospital either admitted or having surgery, the day I delivered these goodies. I think that says a lot about why we started this Foundation...despite all that Rowan has to go through himself, we are determined to use that experience for good, to help other children like Rowan, who spend so much time at these clinics and hospitals.
The day Rowan went in for his 69th Surgery, this past March, while he was still asleep in recovery, I delivered all of his Easter presents for the children who would be in the hospital during that holiday weekend. We donated Easter baskets and over 300 filled Easter eggs for an egg hunt, stuffed Bunnies and Chicks, and Spring Arts & Crafts Projects. For the parents who would be staying with their children as well, we donated big fluffy towels and wash cloths and chocolate truffles. The Child Life Staff was thrilled to receive it all and told me "This is going to be the best Easter here ever!"
These are the art supplies that we donated in April to the Art Therapist at Methodist Children's Hospital. Rowan was headed to clinic himself that day for his own iron and IVIG infusions,
so he wasn't feeling very well.
He slept through us giving the Art Therapist all the supplies, but she took a moment to pose for a picture with him, so we could show him later. She was very grateful to receive all these items off of her Lakeshore wish list, and we were happy to be able to do so.
Finally, just last week when Rowan was back in the hospital septic again, I was able to drop off tons of Summer Fun themed toys, books, crafts and games as well as donated decorations and souvenirs to help them celebrate 4th of July. I had already loaded them up in my car because I was scheduled to deliver them to Child Life on Monday, but Rowan got very ill and went into the hospital Sunday night. Here is the Child Life Staff posing outside of Rowan's HEM/ONC hospital room, so she could thank him personally for all the wonderful donations. You can see him leaning up in his bed to be in the picture:)
Victoria decided to let Rowan pick one of the presents to enjoy,
since he unfortunately would be there all week himself.
As I said, despite all that Rowan endures...
and even when he is enduring it,
we strive to turn these negatives into positives,
and to help make other hospitalized children's stays a little easier...
for both them, and their parents.
It brings us great joy to be able to make kids smile while they are in the hospital.
Especially, because we know first hand how hard it can be at times.
As you can see in this picture above,
I believe that we are helping do just that...making patients smile!
This picture was given to us by the Child Life Staff, with the parents permission.
Here is an excerpt from the Child Life Staff's email to me
following their Easter celebration at the hospital... (it warms my heart)
"Grandma Santos and I hid all of the eggs all over the surgical unit then had the patients and parents meet us in the playroom where all the children got to pick out an Easter basket. We had a countdown and then the kids took off. We had enough that they were able to collect 20-25 each. They then returned to the playroom where they got to choose a stuffed animal. The children all had a wonderful time but I think the parents and staff enjoyed it more watching them. You never would have known we were in a hospital had it not been for the IV poles slowing the kids down. It really was a very special day for everyone involved. Thank you for your kindness and generosity and for taking the time to carefully select the perfect eggs, baskets, and stuffed animals!"
And THAT, is the essence of why we do this...
so the kids can feel like they aren't even in the hospital,
even if just for a few hours or moments.
