Madison C. Meder

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Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Lurie

In November of 2013, I was accepted to the College Volunteer Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and I was fortunate enough to be placed in the Outpatient Hematology/Oncology Clinic, where I began volunteering in early 2014. In the Hem/Onc clinic, there are two volunteer-run playrooms, one for younger children and one for teenagers. These playrooms provide children waiting for treatment and their siblings with distractions in the forms of games, crafts, and socialization, and are strictly Medical-Free zones, allowing this space to serve as somewhere that the children can focus on something other than their illness. As a volunteer, it is absolutely wonderful to see these kids just play and enjoy each other's company. Crafts are always particularly popular with the kids; many of the patients love making necklaces or bracelets for their family, and we went through quite a bit of glitter making Valentine's Day cards! I often find myself forgetting that the patients in the playroom are extremely ill, as they play trains, cook breakfast on the kitchen set, and color just as any healthy child would. I feel extremely fortunate to have met each of these kids and their families. They are all such wonderful children, and, though I truly enjoy the time I spend with them, I hope more than anything that, soon, they will no longer need to spend their Thursdays playing in a hospital, but playing at home or at school. 

Author: Madison Meder
Last modified: 2/18/2015 8:42 AM (EDT)