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Monday, January 29, 2007

UMC Pediatric Patients Become Heroes

The UMC Child Life department is helping the hospital’s littlest patients, many who have had to face some of life’s most unfortunate experiences, become heroes for one month. The Hero of the Month program, sponsored by Kids Wish Network, enables the UMC pediatric staff to nominate a child that has endured some extremely sad or extraordinary circumstances.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children.

UMC’s Child Life department implements the program at the UMC Children’s Center. The Child Life Specialists work very closely with each pediatric patient and make the final decision in choosing a child as the UMC Hero of the Month. Each child that is chosen receives a “UMC Hero of the Month” certificate, their picture taken for display on the “Hero of the Month” bulletin board, and receives a Wal-mart gift certificate.

“The staff really embraces the fact that we can make a difference in a child’s life for one month,” said Cathy Coleman, certified child life specialist and program coordinator. “Some of our patients may stay in the hospital for a long time and the staff really gets to know that patient. Programs like these are great to implement on the unit and really lifts the patient’s spirits.”

If you have any questions about this program please contact Cathy Coleman at 383.1989. If you would like to know more about how you can help Kids Wish Network provide more services to hospitals around the country, please contact them at Kids Wish Network, 4060 Louis Ave., Holiday, Fla. 34691 or by calling 888.918.9004.

Contact Information:
Kristina Zemaitis
(702) 383-2090
kristina.zemaitis@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102