Take Time to Help a Kid Cope

I'm a complete and total WIMP when it comes to getting shots. I even have a bad history with something as innocuous as having blood pressure taken. When I was a child, we headed off to a clinic to receive our physicals for camp. There were many kids in attendance and I had to stand in the doorway as one of the nurses came around checking blood pressure counts. Believe it or not, I fainted and slumped down the doorway - just over the phsycological trauma of having my blood pressure checked.

Or, on another occasion, my mother had taken myself, my sister and my youngest brother to receive our immunizations. We argued over who would go first. Finally, my mom suggested we go oldest to youngest. I ended up fainting, while my brother quietly took his shot and sucked on the lollipop they offered.

I have always had difficulties in this area, but I can explain why it is so traumatic for me (even now as an adult) to receive a shot. When I was three years old, I developed a case of double pneumonia (this is where both lungs are congested with mucus and fluid). My mother tells me that I received 64 shots in the space of the 8 days I was in the hospital. I was like a human pin cushion, because they often had to give a shot in the same spot as before. (Someday, I'll have to share the miraculous story of my recovery from this illness -another post, another day). Ever since, I have had to give a preliminary warning to doctors and nurses who have assisted me in the difficult process of giving birth to three sons.

As I've said before, my niece, Amelia, has leukemia. She has spent countless hours in hospitals and received so many scans, injections, blood draws, spinals, etc. that she has a long chain of beads symbolizing each event on her cancer journey. Her bravery amazes me. Today, on her blog, Amelia's mother suggested a way to help children who are facing devastating and terrifying illnesses. It takes just a moment of your time, but it could help a child cope with very difficult experiences. Here are her words to describe how you can help:

"I have a favor to ask of all of you reading this. There is a competition going on between three Wisconsin hospitals (St. Vincent Hospital – Green Bay, Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin, and American Family) to get a Colgate-Starlight Starbright Fun Center donated. Now in order for St. Vincent to be in the competition they need people to vote for the hospital. I was wondering if all of you would vote for St. Vincent Hospital. The way to vote is going to www.colgate.com/starlight. Then you have to scroll down and click on 'wisconsin' on the us map. Then just click the button next to St. Vincent Hospital and 'Submit'. Obviously, some of you may have your childrens’ care done at these other hospitals so I understand if you vote a different way. But it would be great if we could get everyone that reads this to vote on St. Vincent Hospital. I have included below a description of what a Fun Center is. Anything that can make these childrens’ lives a little brighter in the midst of what they go through would be great.

A Fun Center is a mobile entertainment unit containing a flat-screen television, DVD player, and Nintendo Wii™ system. Whether hospitalized children are nervously awaiting surgery, sitting restlessly during a long treatment, or feeling lonely in their hospital room, the Fun Center helps them cope by providing endless hours of fun and distraction.

To date, more than 4,000 Fun Centers have been sponsored by companies, foundations and individuals and are being enjoyed at hospitals across North America. However, the need is great and the waiting list is long. To your part to help this come to St. Vincent Hospital. Thank you very much! Remember, you can vote once a day!"


It only took me a moment and I'll try to head back again several times this month to vote again. Please take time to help a kid cope.