IL-Children's Memorial Hospital Visit-07/25/09

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PQ Higgins
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IL-Children's Memorial Hospital Visit-07/25/09

Post by PQ Higgins »

Well after a meeting in June between myself, Aimee, and the Manager of Children's Services at Children's Memorial Hospital, we were able to set up a date for our first of what should be quarterly visits to Children's Memorial Hospital. Today we made our first visit to the hospital and it went really well.

First, attending were:
PQ Higgins TC-3697 (Shock Trooper)
Aimee Jorgenson TB-0101 (Biker Scout)
Joe Rivera CC-3166 (Captain Rex)
Rich Markle SL-1781 (Darth Vader)
Neil Auer TK-3446 (Photographer/Support)

Special thanks to Neil for driving River and Aimee out and for coming out to the troop to just help and do photos.

Once we were all set and dressed we went out into the main area of the room for the kids to see us and be able to get photos taken with us. Even though there wasn't a large number of children there, the ones that were there seemed pretty excited to have us there. (With the exception of some really little ones!) After a bit of photography we were given the opportunity to mingle with the kids, talk with them, etc. Some worked on crafts, some played with toys, and some were playing video games.

One child in particular seemed particularly happy to have a chance to play Lego Star Wars with Captain Rex. After an hour and a half or so things started winding down, so we called it a day. All in all we made a good impression and they are looking forward to having us back. One of the staff apparently knows my contact at another children's hospital that I set up a visit for, Advocate Hope. She said she would pass along her praises of our visit to Children's Memorial.

Thanks so much to Aimee for coming with me to the initial meeting... it made it easier to know that there was someone there who has been with the garrison a lot longer than I, Rich for making the drive from Indiana to make sure we had a Vader for this, River for coming out and really being great with the kids, and again, to Neil, for coming out even though it was not in a costume... the next one we do that you can attend, you have a spot reserved sir...

Here are some photos from the event:
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Great job everyone... one of the staff mentioned that even though she knew there weren't very many kids there (weekends are like that... during the week is apparently busier), that we did make a difference for the ones that were there.

More photos:
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/ ... /?start=20
Last edited by PQ Higgins on Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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TI4438
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Post by TI4438 »

Excellant job troops.

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TK3446
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Post by TK3446 »

Neil " El Blanco Lando" Auer
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Remo
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Post by Remo »

Awesome job, gang. :D
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bobafrettTK523
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Post by bobafrettTK523 »

That looks very professional! Great Job, you serve the MWG well!
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TKvanB
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Post by TKvanB »

This is awesome! :D
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Schph Gochi
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Post by Schph Gochi »

great job!

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Arcturus1020
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Post by Arcturus1020 »

:thumbs:

Awesome job!!!

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Darth Raizzar
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Post by Darth Raizzar »

Fantastic Job 8)


You Guys are awesome :wink: 8)

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Remo
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Post by Remo »

Do you have a letter or anything from there where they say how they liked us there? I asked my sister-in-law, who has worked for Loyola for years (along with her hubby) and I asked if she knew someone from the children's area. She does, but she wont call because she doesn't see how people in SW costumes could make an impact. She is a lil on the stuck-up side so that doesn't help. I may have to just bring her to this site myself and let her see all the pics and things.
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Post by PQ Higgins »

I'll see what Susan sends as a reply to my thank you email I sent...
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Schph Gochi
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Post by Schph Gochi »

I always find feedback essential...

I know that it sometimes sounds like I am looking for an "atta-boy" when I contact our "sponsors"....but I am really looking for the heads up on what we could have done differently or if there is even the slightest issue with anything..

it sure helps to hear back from those we "serve".....

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Post by TK3446 »

Here are 24 more pictures i took with my 35mm EOS camera. :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/recei ... Fq5aMWLCrA
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Post by TK3446 »

TK3446 wrote:Here are 24 more pictures i took with my 35mm EOS camera. They look grainy online but on disk and paper they are crystal clear. If any one wants i can send them to their email or burn on a disk. :)

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/recei ... Fq5aMWLCrA
Neil " El Blanco Lando" Auer
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PQ Higgins
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Post by PQ Higgins »

Nice email from Susan:
Hello Patrick,
It has been an very busy week here as some team members are out on vacation!   I haven't been in my office or near a phone long enough to chat.   
Thank you for your earlier email and especially for arranging to come with the Star Wars crew...including yourself.   I am glad that I was able to be here.   It's always a joy to stand back and watch the faces of everyone and observe the fun that is being had.   It's very much appreciated by our patients and their families...and of course our staff and volunteers too.

I'll try to call you to chat about some feedback which I told to Neil briefly.  I apologize for not being able to stay to talk to you personally but had a prior commitment to scoot off to.

The idea for October sounds great.
We'll chat soon.  I may have some moments tomorrow to try to call you.
Once again, many thanks for everything....and especially for bringing fun and positive energy to the Brown Family Life Center last Saturday.

Best,
Susan
some of the feedback she is referring too is keeping the helmets on no matter what. They prefer us to not break character even if it seems like it might help. No big deal there... Easy fix for next time, and that's partially my fault for not emphasizing this initially.

I'll post more after I get a chance to talk with her.
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Post by TK3446 »

some of the feedback she is referring too is keeping the helmets on no matter what. They prefer us to not break character even if it seems like it might help. No big deal there... Easy fix for next time, and that's partially my fault for not emphasizing this initially.

I'll post more after I get a chance to talk with her.[/quote]

Ya, it was the helmets and not to talk with nurses and volunteers til afterward or go off to the side and talk. Like PQ said no big deal.
Neil " El Blanco Lando" Auer
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Post by Marvinrobot »

Great job folks! That's what it's all about in the final analysis. Keep it up!
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