Bringing Joy.......



This is why I love what I do! Yesterday was Make-A-Wish, Bring Joy Day.
Here is a note that I sent to our staff about it -

Hi Everyone –
The Grand Rapids Staff had a wonderful experience bringing joy at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Merry G, Anne, our two wonderful interns Angela and Kristy and myself were all on hand to deliver the goodies! When we arrived we were met by Jodi Bowers from the hospital – who seemed really excited to have us there. We were also greeted by our good Make-A-Wish friend, photographer Jeff Dykehouse and city commissioner Rosalynn Bliss (who stood in for the mayor to read the proclamation.)

We started on the 7th floor of the hospital in the playroom and did have a few children stop down and see us – but decided it would be better to go from room to room.

Each room we walked into we were greeted with a smile from a child and tired-smiles from the parents. Joy Jr. was VERY well received but to be honest – I think the kids were more excited to pick a beanie baby for their siblings. They would say – everyone always brings me stuff in the hospital so it’ll be nice to give my brother/sister a present. I think the parents were touched by this as well.

We saw children of all ages – from 5 week old newborns to teenagers who still seemed really touched to have a new furry friend!

Once we completed our visits on the 7th floor – we made our way to the 9th floor – and Dr. Fahner welcomed us. It was fun to go from room to room – I was wearing a princess crown so the girls thought that was cool – and the boys basically cringed if they had to get too close to me to take a picture! It was a WONDERFUL experience and I hope we can Bring Joy every year on June 5th.

We had kids stopping us in the hall telling us their wishes – which was very cute. We had parents looking for us – just so we wouldn’t forget to come visit their child – which we wouldn’t miss anyone! Of course we saw some very sick children going through their chemo treatments and it took all we had to hold it together– but I will say that some of these children had more energy than all of us combined!

We saw a few wish kids including Lisa who was recently sponsored through the GR Gala – she was happy to see us. We also saw a new wish family – Damon is 5 and just arrived at the hospital on Monday for a round of treatments – his mom said it was nice to see friendly faces.

Jeff took many photos as did the hospital staff photographer, Mary. We certainly had an entourage with us! After our room visits we were gathered in Reese’s office (who is a child life specialist) and he was showing us pictures that he has received of all the wish kids on their wishes – which was very cool. Right before we left a young nurse walked in and told us that she was a former wish child and had a Disney Wish– it was her experience as a kid that made her want to go into nursing – just another example of things coming about full circle!

It was awesome and I know that the GR staff really enjoyed this day and of course when we left – we all counted our blessings.