Past and present “Miracle Kids” hold up numbers to represent the tote board for this year’s CMN “Miracles on 34th Street Mediathon” with KGET-TV 17 benefiting the Lauren Small Children’s Center.
"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."
I love the above quote by Albert Einstein. Life really is a miracle. It is a gift. We can choose to recognize the gift and be present to see the miracles all around us or we can choose to ignore the gifts given to us each and every day.
Recently, I was blessed to attend the "Miracles on 34th Street Mediathon” at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, the local Children's Miracle Network hospital. It is an all day fundraising event with live broadcasts throughout the day on KGET-TV NBC. This event holds special meaning to me personally because all three of my children were born at this hospital and I have seen first-hand many "miracle moments" through the years when I worked to fundraise for children's services for Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation.
As I entered the lobby, all the memories came rushing back to me of the many miracles that I had witnessed through the years at this hospital. Robin Woodward, Manager, Children’s Miracle Network for Lauren Small Children's Center, greeted me. Robin shared with me how this was her first “mediathon” and how she already could feel the magic of the holidays happening here on 34th Street. "I love this community," shared Robin, "they always rise to the occasion when there is a need." Robin went on to show me their fundraising "wish list" which included much-needed items for the hospital's 31 bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 8 bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and their 35 bed pediatric department.
Miracles come in all sizes
Kali Rose, 2017 Ambassador with Robin Woodward, Manager, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, BMH Lauren Small Children’s Center
As I looked over the items that ranged in cost from $50 to $20,000, I met up with Georgina Bicknell, Director, Pediatric Services. She shared how much children's services has grown thanks to the community support and how they now offer High-Risk Infant Follow-Up care, burn services and soon a children's-only emergency department. Georgina also reminisced about former patient Kendra Hay and how she was her bedside nurse years ago. Kendra was rushed to the hospital at just five years old for emergency brain surgery after falling off of her horse. It was Kendra’s emergency surgery and recovery in an adult-size patient bed that prompted a serious conversation about expanding children’s services. I remember Kendra and her story very well as I was there when we first told her story live on local television back in 2007. Georgina added, "we wouldn't be here today without the support of CMN."
Miracles are everywhere
“Miracle Child” Kendra Hay with her brother Garret, mother Laurie and father Mike during the first Mediathon in 2007
Kendra Hay today joined by Mrs., Miss and Teen Bakersfield.
Next, I walked with my former boss, current client and forever friend, Caryl Schweitzer, Senior Director, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation. She loaded up our arms with teddy bears and took me to the emergency department (ED). As we walked around, we handed out the cuddly teddy bears to babies, toddlers and children who were in the ED. It was so magical to watch their faces and their parents change from worry to smiles. It definitely made my heart smile to be a part of this "miracle moment."
Georgina Bicknell, Caryl Schweitzer and Robin Woodward
My last stop was to talk with Jenny Wilson, Director, Emergency Department and Dr. Les Burson, Medical Director, Emergency Department. They shared with me the vision for the new children's-only emergency department that will be known as the Robert A. Grimm Children's Pavilion for Emergency Care. Jenny stated how their current all-patient emergency department (ED) saw more 25,000 children in 2016. As a mom of three and having to take my mom to this ER, I know first-hand how necessary it is to have an ED that is dedicated to babies, children and families only. Jenny also shared about their goals to follow the "ouchless" ER principles that will include items like "Buzzy" a device for children four-years-old and older that helps to numb the area and distract children when a shot is given. Dr. Burson added that he has worked at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital since 1994 and he believes that this children's pavilion will solidify BMH’s mission for providing quality care for children as the "hospital of choice for pediatrics in Kern County" and that this pavilion would not be possible without the generosity and support of the community.
Miracles happen through us
Jenny Wilson and Dr. Les Burson
Adam Alvidrez presents a check to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of “Miracles on 34th Street Mediathon”
As we say goodbye to 2016 and hello to a New Year, I encourage you to find the miracles all around you. If you are undecided on year-end gifts, put "your money where the miracles are" and support your local Children's Miracle Network hospital. Personally, I support the Lauren Small Children's Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital in honor of my three babies born healthy at this hospital. Wherever you choose to give, take a moment to also be present to see the miracles all around you because that is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Janelle Capra, past Director, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at BMHF; current Founder & CEO, Capra PR