IL-Oak Lawn- Advocate Hope Children's Hospital visit-8/21

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PQ Higgins
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IL-Oak Lawn- Advocate Hope Children's Hospital visit-8/21

Post by PQ Higgins »

This was another first for the Midwest Garrison in as many as two months... after a few persistent phone calls and emails I was able to arrange a visit with another Children's Hospital in the Chicago area, this time being Advocate Hope Children's Hospital.

This visit was a bit different that the Children's Memorial in that we were allowed to go room to room to visit the children, and I know that all the participants were looking forward to having the opportunity.

When we got there it was immediately apparent that the staff was excited for us to be there... all smiles and anxious to get us going! After getting suited up, we began walking the halls to go room to room, but almost immediately got stopped by many of the staff members there for pictures. After some of the staff got the photos they wanted, we were able to move on to the task at hand, and what we do best, bringing a little joy to the kids there.

We visited numerous floors, from the floors with the younger children, then the floors with the older children, next the children in ICU, and finally the outpatient lounge. Everyone we saw, even the ones who said that Star Wars was "OK", smiled at one point or another, so it was a win-win no matter how you look at it.

Pat Engle, our Vader for the event, was outstanding. Armed with his platforms and voice changer, he transformed from his average-sized charming self to the towering, deep-voiced Dark Lord of the Sith we all know and love. His quick wit and immersion into character made him an instant hit.

Phyllis Schulte aka Schph Gochi, came as her jedi for the event. Her personality and heart are second to none at troops, and this day she did not disappoint (she never does...). Even though the "bad guys" get more oohs and aahs, she manages to bring a certain something to events that is irreplaceable. Able to get her saber ok'd for this troop (no weapons allowed, but sabers are ok now after it was a huge hit!), she gave the kids a part of the Star Wars universe that they could hold, touch, and feel. She was definitely able to find a few "rebel supporters" at the troop, and the abillity to interact with the children in ways that armored troopers is not to be overlooked.

Steve Szyndrowski came as a nice, clean TK for the event. New to the garrison, Steve has thrown himself into troops and has quickly shown that he fits in with the MWG perfectly. He is always a joy to troop with and despite a few minor costume malfunctions, did a fantastic job as our TK for the event. Now, to just get him into a Vader... saying he is tall does not accurately describe him...

Augie Webster was a huge part of this event as well, stepping in to be photographer/support for this troop. Given the limitations on the group size that we could have (four costumed characters), I was still able to find a spot for another garrison member to attend in a support capacity. Augie did a great job taking pictures, helping the troopers out, and interacting with the staff and patients.

I attended as my Shadowtrooper for this event.

Some of stories that stand out for this event:

A staff member said that they never had visitors at the hospital in such outstanding costumes, and hoped that they would see us back again.

A girl was in the ICU and wanted us to just go by and wave, because she thought we were scary, still managed to get up the nerve to have Vader pose for a picture for her.

Vader talking to one of the patients brothers on the cell phone.

And my favorite, relayed to me by Phyllis:
"...I will take with me the memory of the little boy that could not even make it from the bed to his wheelchair....
yet ...
after we left his room...
...he got out of bed...
grabbed his IV cart and came after us on foot for an autograph...on his own.

I feel fortunate that since I didn't have a bucket on so that that the Mom of that boy could come up and speak to me easily....
and let me know this fact....
and that truly blew me away.
The mom was so excited that her child got out of bed and walked on his own.....a simple thing for us...yet huge for her and her son..."

Some pictures from the event:
Image
Image
Image

In attendance were:
Patrick Higgins- TX-3697 (Shadowtrooper)
Pat Engle- SL-6312 (Vader)
Phyllis Shulte- ID-1951 (Jedi)
Steve Szyndrowski- TK-3052 (Stormtrooper)
Augie Webster- BH-9397 (Photos/support)

More photos:
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/ ... it%208-21/
http://s760.photobucket.com/albums/xx24 ... 8-21-2009/
Great Job everyone! I can almost guarantee that we will be asked back for another visit!
Last edited by PQ Higgins on Sat Aug 22, 2009 8:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
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TB 0101
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Post by TB 0101 »

Fantastic job, everyone!

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Schph Gochi
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Post by Schph Gochi »

By the way....

Did you all happen to notice some big wooden boxes in the one clinic room (I am guessing that the kids were on dyalisis in that large room)?

The large boxes were from "Children's Treasure Chest For Pediatric Oncology"....sound familiar?

Each year for the past several years we have done an event in December in Bridgeview called "Toy Con"....this December event is for collecting toys and money for "Children's Treasure Chest".....
it was great to see those boxes in the Clinic


:D

I am glad I brought the saber...I figured...what the heck...the worst that would happen is that they would ask me to leave it in the room with the tubs...

But as soon as I got there...I asked our escort if it was ok...I "ignited" the saber...and there was that "look" in her eyes...and she said...

"oh yeah"....

The saber is a nice little "ice breaker" and the kids love to be able to hold them...

:D

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Post by TI4438 »

Excellant job troops.Way to represent!

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Post by Marvinrobot »

Great job! Phyllis you need to hold your lightsaber a little farther away from your face...it's starting to scar your skin just below the eyes :P (sorry I could not help myself, Master Jedi)
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Targ
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Post by Targ »

Very nicely told. It seems where ever we go, we touch someone in an unexpected way, sometimes funny and sometimes poignant. We have been trying without success to get into the hospitals down here in Central Illinois, we should talk.
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PQ Higgins
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Post by PQ Higgins »

Targ wrote:Very nicely told. It seems where ever we go, we touch someone in an unexpected way, sometimes funny and sometimes poignant. We have been trying without success to get into the hospitals down here in Central Illinois, we should talk.
I'd be happy to chat anytime Targ... was there any particular hospital(s) that you were looking at trying to contact?
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Post by TK 4813 »

Great work guys!


I'll get it tracked as soon as I can PQ :wink: :lol:
TS/TK/TB/TX-4813 - Geoff Pfeiffer
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PQ Higgins
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Post by PQ Higgins »

Thanks Geoff... you rock :)
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Darth Raizzar
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Post by Darth Raizzar »

Fantastic Report Bro,

Thanks for your kind words. Thanks for YOUR tremendous efforts putting this together, and thanks for asking me before hand to do this, Incredible kids, and staff, my fellow troopers -Priceless 8)
Some touching moments.

Awesome event, except my parking ticket :cry: :twisted:


-Also Thanks for all your help, and picture taking Augie
8)

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Post by ID3052 »

I didn't know you got a parking ticket! Oh, cruel fate...You do something fantastic and charitable...and "the man" come's down on your parking ability :P !

Steve
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MWG Trooper of the Month, February 2010
MWG 2010 Trooper of the Year
501st Legion Trooper of the Month, December 2011

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