(April 13, 2009) -
RaeAnn Collins of Lindenhurst recently made a delivery of homemade ponchos for patients at Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital in Park Ridge. The bright, colorful ponchos are individually wrapped in bags tagged with a note that reads, "Hi, friend. My name is Sam and I spent lots of time in the hospital too...so my mom made this especially for you."
Sam, 6, was born with Down syndrome at just 27 weeks and has undergone a number of surgeries and suffered other health issues requiring hospitalization.
"I was inspired by all the children I know who are battling cancer everyday and I thank God that Sam has not had to fight that battle,"
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Photo Caption: Rae Ann Collins delivers handmade fleece
ponchos to Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital
with the help of two of her sons, Sean and Sam. |
said RaeAnn.
Pediatric leukemia is very common in children born with Down syndrome - a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1,000 births. Leukemia is from 10 to 30 times more common in these children than in the general population.
"My hope is that these ponchos will not only be warm but stylish and perhaps bring a smile to a child's face. At the very least cover up what the hospital gowns do not," said RaeAnn. The ponchos are made to easily slip over the patient's heads and won't interfere with IVs, monitors and other tubes. The fleece ponchos are softer, warmer and less restrictive than hospital gowns. RaeAnn ties the fleece in knots while waiting in doctor's offices or while her 7-year old son Andrew attends religious education class.
Sam and his parents along with his brothers Andrew and 18-month-old Sean will be taking a 'Make a Wish' trip to Disney World this fall.
"I turned the granters down twice thinking it was a time share offer," laughed RaeAnn. "Sam's been through so much and has been a real trooper through all of it. We're excited to have the opportunity to go on this family vacation and are overwhelmed by all the kindness and generosity we've been shown. We have been so truly blessed and lucky in so many ways and it just feels right to give back what we can."
Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital is one of the most comprehensive children's hospitals in Illinois. It is the only children's hospital in the greater north and northwest metropolitan Chicago area, and is a major regional referral center for a broad range of infant and pediatric services, especially for those with complex illnesses and chronic conditions. Offering the most advanced treatment options, Lutheran General Children's Hospital has pediatric specialists in virtually every medical and surgical field. Lutheran General Children's Hospital has a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and one of the largest newborn intensive care units (NICU) in the region, providing the most advanced level of care to critically ill newborns. Lutheran General Children's Hospital is one of only 12 hospitals in the country designated by the national Vermont Oxford Network as an 'ideal NICU.' The children's hospital has the state's highest Level III perinatal facility designation, and also is a Pediatric Critical Care Center, offering the top level of specialized critical care and emergency care services to pediatric patients.
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