Teddies for Teens – Excerpt
Every step to the teen wing felt like a thud of weight from her feet; all the sounds around the hospital from the beeping of the machines to the ringing of the phones felt amplified.
“We are all so lucky to be able to be with our loved ones, but these children don’t get to go home; so we thought we could bring a little home to them.”
“I am so happy these children will have such nice blankets!”
“Oh my goodness, guys! This is amazing, how many people came here on such short notice. We underestimated the number of people we’d need to pull everything together so last minute, but our city sure came through when we needed them.”
“Thank you! You are the best!” the little girl said.
“It was a short exchange, but she saw so much of his kindness shine through.”
By the end of the day, everyone was happy to have played a part in putting smiles on the children’s faces, which made every minute of their planning and work worthwhile.
Resources
Children’s Cancer Research Fund
childrenscancer.org
“Funding for childhood cancer research pales in comparison to funds available for research into adult cancers. In fact, as a percentage of cancer research funding from the federal government, childhood cancer research funding is in the single digits.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
stjude.org
“The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”
Nationwide Children’s
nationwidechildrens.org
“We aspire to create the best outcomes for children everywhere. This means families come to Nationwide Children’s from around the globe, knowing they will get the highest quality care. It means we will reach to cure rare diseases.”
Children’s Hospital
childrenshospitals.org
“As the national voice of more than 220 children’s hospitals, we’re advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care in children’s hospitals and health systems.”
My Very Own Blanket
myveryownblanket.org
“My Very Own Blanket is dedicated to warming the heart of every child in the foster care system and children in need with a blanket, to give them a feeling of comfort, security and most of all, a SMILE. Handmade blankets are created through the loving care of volunteers.”
Fleece And Thank You
fleeceandthankyou.org
“We believe in the healing power of connection. Every blanket we provide also has a personal video message attached to it from the blanket maker to the recipient in the hospital.”
Knots Of Love
knotsoflove.org
“Through the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, we are able to gift treatment centers with over 3,000 beanies and blankets each month. To date, we have helped over half a million people.”
A Little For Those Who Do A Lot
Inspiring Excerpt:
“Nick realized that the 5k had another amazing impact that they hadn’t even thought about while planning it. He realized that this wasn’t just some fun experience for the doctors to run or some charity event for others to donate to. These doctors were able to find friends from the race. These doctors were now able to find other people in downtown Georgia who were like them and shared similar passions. This one event was enough to start friendships based on service for a lifetime.
‘Well, hello, first of all, I am Doc Randon, as your friend here likes to call me. I am in my 3rd year of residency.’
‘Wow, that’s like 11 years of medical school!’
‘That’s impressive that you know that, young man!’
‘Oh, thank you!’
‘Yup, as soon as I finished medical school and I got the certification, I applied for Doctors Without Borders. This organization is really like a home. I learn so much while being on site and I get to spend my weekends doing something productive and changing lives.’”
Nonprofits:
Doctors Without Borders
doctorswithoutborders.org
“Every day, Doctors Without Borders teams deliver emergency medical aid to people in crisis, with humanitarian projects in more than 70 countries.”
Peace Corps
peacecorps.gov
“The Peace Corps brings together skilled, committed Volunteers with welcoming host communities for service opportunities in more than 60 countries.”
American Red Cross
redcross.org
“Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.”
Health Volunteers Overseas
hvousa.org
“Health Volunteers Overseas improves the availability and quality of health care through the education, training, and professional development of the health workforce in resource-scarce countries.”
Medical Brigades
medical.globalbrigades.org
“Medical Brigades host mobile medical clinics in Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Ghana, and Greece to support preventative and primary healthcare in communities where access to healthcare is limited or does not exist.”
Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF)
mbf.org
“Dedicated to equipping and fortifying the medical ministries of local churches in underserved regions worldwide, the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF) works in partnership with its international partners as they take on the responsibility of overseeing mission hospitals, clinics, and nursing schools.”