Hospital volunteers and staff bring the joy of the holiday season to children undergoing treatment in unfamiliar environments.
Hospital volunteers and workers observe holiday traditions to help boost the spirits of Pennsylvania kids undergoing exhausting treatments in unfamiliar environments. This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Nash was born with Menkes disease, a rare genetic disorder that disrupts the body’s ability to absorb and distribute copper.
This causes severe damage to the nervous system, as well as connective tissue abnormalities in the skin, joints, and bones. Menkes is terminal, and since May, Nash has lived at the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh, Pownall told Spotlight PA. The hospital provides specialized pediatric care to medically fragile children. Earlier this month, Pownall and Nash relished a magical moment: They met both Santa and Mrs. Claus at the hospital. Against a paper recreation of a brick fireplace, the Yuletide couple cuddled patients, gave high fives, and handed out gifts. For Nash, the Clauses sang a short rendition of “Jingle Bells.” And he got a stuffed cat and a copy of Nash is nonverbal, but Pownall said he loves interacting with people, and that she could tell by his face and body movements that he enjoyed his festive guests. Though the Children’s Home works to create a warm atmosphere through activities like circle time, seasonal decorations, and lots of toys, life in a hospital can be harrowing. Kids are surrounded by unfamiliar smells and sounds. Strangers poke them with needles, and lead them through breathing treatments and physical therapy. December can be especially tough because families want to be home and together for the holidays, said Danielle Church, a child development specialist at the hospital who works with kids like Nash. “He’s going through the hallways jingling his bells, and it brings this sense of magic to the families,” Church said. The Santa and Mrs
CHILDREN's HOSPITAL HOLIDAY SPIRIT VOLUNTEERS MEDICAL TREATMENT RARE DISEASES
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