It's The Most Wonderful Time at Children's Specialized

So it is not news that I am often brought to tears by our kids’ accomplishments and your amazing compassion. For whatever reason, at the CSH events this year, the random acts of kindness have just been overwhelming to me and yes brought me to tears of joy.

I would like to share some of the examples that I have had a chance to observe, or learn about, and would ask you to add any that you might know about. 

As Nicole Fulmino and I watched our CMN Champion, Michael Wight, walk to the WOBM Radiothon without his walker and holding his mother's hand for love, not support, I was overwhelmed at how much progress he has made from his original time in Mountainside in 2007.

Watching the nursing and therapy staff in New Brunswick making sure each child has the perfect picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, even those children with no family members with them, the staff stepped in to make sure they knew they were loved and supported.

Carol Spera, (PCT NB), asked one of our PSEG volunteers if she could borrow her elf hat so our inpatient who is recovering from a TBI would have his head covered for his picture with Santa

The mom who told her story about walking into the Quick Peak session at the Newark Library and without an appointment, Amy Norton (Autism Program) found a way to make it all work out and then led Mom through her journey of accepting her son's diagnosis of Autism. The connection she felt to Amy and all of the staff about the support you gave her family was evident.

A day of volunteering turned into a day of work for Phil Corletta (Facilities TR) and his son when the snow starting coming down during the Holiday Express concert at Stevens Road.

Knowing that all of the Recreation Therapy and Child Life staff ensures that our children have all the gifts they need for the holidays - specific to each child, even though none of their own personal shopping is done.

Or in Mountainside when the Holiday Express dedicated the new Lady Antebellum song Compass to the staff - there is one line in the song that says "No matter where, you so let your heart sweetheart be your compass when you're lost, And you should follow it wherever it may go, When it's all said and done you can walk instead of run, 'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone, Never be alone, Never be alone

So what about you? Has there been something particularly poignant that you would like to share? Or something fun that brought laughter?

Please know that we are so thankful for all you to do make the holiday season so special for our kids.

Amy

True Spirit of the Season

Well my last few wraps up had to move to twice a week to accommodate all of the amazing things that you did for the people in the community and then the things that people did for us. I have another wrap up to fill with more things that were done Christmas and through our terrible snow storm but I thought it would be fun to ask you to share your favorite holiday story at the hospital. It can be something you participated in, something you saw given, or just something you want to share.

There were so many to choose from but for me it was Christmas eve when Lori Velasco and her family brought dinner for the inpatients in New Brunswick. Lori had already told me that she had made a promise when her son was in the hospital over Christmas, she promised herself that she would come back and help patients and parents through the holiday. Her family brought in all the food and then she introduced to her family friends. These weren't people who were related, but really close friends. When I thanked them for joining the Velasco's, this particular Mom said to me, “we sat on the other side of the bed praying for a miracle following the accident. Our prayers were answered and now there is no place we should be on Christmas eve.”

Of course I was fighting back tears. I get it. I am the one who tells everyone I can that you guys create miracles, but to hear it from someone who had been a visitor and supporter in the Velasco's journey reminded me of the amazing impact we have on people's lives.

So what is the story you would like to share? It can be silly or serious. Thanks in advance for sharing!

Yes Virginia...

Usually I’m very festive. My tree goes up right after Thanksgiving, I’m done holiday shopping weeks before Christmas, indulging in yummy holiday treats, smiling at little kids waiting in line to meet Santa – you know, the fun stuff!

So, for the first time ever in my life, I am not feeling the holiday. It’s probably a combination of personal and work. I don't want to do a tree - I just don't wanna...and then it happened as it always happens at Children's Specialized, I am reminded of the kindness and generosity that is extended by staff and strangers to our children and our hospital.

Remember the holiday cookie baking fun at Stevens Road? I think our staff deserves a medal for bringing out the sprinkles and cookie cutters, all to help bring a little holiday fun into therapy. That’s the spirit!

Just this morning, Vieno shared with me a wonderful story of holiday cheer.

With the holidays just around the corner, our staff in New Brunswick was getting a little worried because holiday donations had seriously dropped off from years past. Our annual holiday party for inpatients is just a few weeks away and staff was getting a little worried we wouldn’t have enough gifts for everyone! Just in the nick of time, we get a call from Diane Bonanno's office at Rutgers Recreation. The seventh annual Big Chill 5K is on Saturday, Dec.12 and instead of paying a fee, entrants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for children in need across the garden state. With nearly 5,000 people signed up – we’re sure our patients, and many lucky kids around the state, will have a wonderful holiday with presents to spare. Since its inception, the race has provided over 20,000 presents to several NJ charities including the NJ Housing Authority and now PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital – New Brunswick. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause… and he’s running through New Brunswick on Saturday!

As expected, our staff and generous supporters have given me a dose of holiday spirit.

What is your favorite holiday memory or tradition? Here at Children’s or even at home with your family? What really gets you in the mood to break out the tinsel and eggnog?

Amy