Have you ever had to spend a night or two in your local hospital for one reason or another? Most of my readers are moms and many of you probably did so when you gave birth. So you know well how comfortable a sterile environment can be. Not so much, you say, as you recall the tubes, beeps and nurses. Maybe someone in your family needed a bone set or to be rehydrated after the flu. Some of you have endured a long illness or cancer treatment or have some sort of ongoing medical issue that involves frequent overnights or extended stays. All this to say that we are thankful for our hospitals that can treat us when we are unable to do so ourselves. As adults we can logically understand there are reasons for everything from IV tubes, denial of food, cold x-ray tables, and medicine that makes you sick.
But what about a child? A child that is having to stay in the hospital for any length of time. Overnight, a week, a month or longer. For treatment of something he will recover from or something she may not. It’s a necessary evil at some point to choose to stay for treatment despite that absence of the comforts of home. Sure parents try as hard as they can to replicate “home”. Pajamas, favorite stuffed animals, stories, pictures of family. The amazing part about kids is that they are resilient. They push through a tough spot because they don’t know any different. They work complicated things out through play. Specifically play therapy. It gets their minds off what’s happening to their bodies and occupies their brains in a positive way giving their whole body a break from the drain of treatment.
This is why I am proud to be part of promoting the Starlight Children’s Foundation 12 Days of Giving. For 30 years, this organization has partnered with hospitals in order to give families and the communities at large an opportunity to be involved in donating resources that benefit not only the children in their care, but the overall atmosphere of the hospital. Happy, distracted kids help doctors and nurses do their jobs more efficiently and with less drama. SO as you contemplate an outreach for your family, consider donating a game or toy through Starlight. IF your child was on the receiving end, I know how thankful you would be for those who donated. Perhaps you have a budding philanthropist who wants to make a difference for another child, this program allows them to pick something right off the hospital’s online wish list. The Starlight Wish List was launched just two months ago and has proven to be very popular and convenient for those who want to donate easily online and know exactly how their donation is being used.
On the 9th day of Giving, Nov. 30, I am specifically highlighting Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. They have 110 pediatric beds where they treat everything from regular procedures to emergency situations. Click here for their wish list with items ranging from $6.99 to $5,000.00. Notice there is a quantity for each item, so in many cases, multiples are welcome. They do charge shipping and tax so all the bases are covered. You can also include a personalized tribute card if you like or make an additional donation direct to Starlight. Thanks for stepping up to meet very real needs and making a difference for kids who find themselves in a hospital. Thanks too for participating and making Starlight pleased they chose me as a top stay-at-home mommy blogger to get their message and requests into the limelight at no cost to them.
None of us knows what tomorrow holds. It’s always the right choice to pay it forward.
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