This event was the perfect example of why I do this. A request came in last week from a Child Life Specialist.
Good morning! I am wondering if you might be able to help me? I am a child life specialist and work for a pediatric palliative care and hospice program here in Illinois. I have a pediatric hospice patient whose little brother is a huge Star Wars fan. At my last visit with the patient and her brother, the brother asked if I might be able to help him get a Star Wars Halloween costume. I believe that his parents have been working very hard to make sure that their medical bills are covered and his Halloween costume is a little further back on the list at the moment. I would really like to do something special for this incredibly sweet patient, her beautiful little brother, and this family. I do not know how much longer she will be with us and am really wanting to do what I can to create wonderful memories for this family with the time that she has left. I am wondering if there is anything that you might be able to do to help with a costume or to create a special memory/experience for this family. I look forward to hearing from you.
It was too late for us to make costumes, however the contact was able to secure a couple donated costumes for the kids. They boy was 8 years old, and loved Star Wars. The girl was 16 and a fan as well. We snuck into the house, and changed. We then snuck back out to come to the door. The boy was so excited, jumping up and down over and over. We presented them with their costumes, but that wasn't all. We had come bearing many gifts, secured by our troopers at their own cost. Lightsaber toys, coloring books, a puzzle, and a Princess Leia snuggy pajama set for the sick young lady. After posing for pictures, and hanging out, it was time to say goodbye. Mom was so appreciative. She couldn't stop saying thank you. It was one of those troops that you're glad you have a bucket on, and it makes everything worth while.
We had four amazing troopers take time out of their Tuesday afternoon to make these kid's day.
4 troopers x 30 minutes = 2 hours trooped
Patrick Lewis TK 52809
Ted Ruler TI 32685
Ray Bosques BH 3499
Aaron Brigman SL 2875
