Applause and cheers as the call comes in.

It is with great joy and excitement that I  write this blog.

Today the American Nurses Credentialing Center again named Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin a member of the prestigious Magnet  Recognition Program. This was a unanimous decision by the Commission on  Magnet.

This morning  a large group of direct-care nurses, multidisciplinary  staff,  and leaders huddled in a crowded conference room  anxiously awaiting a call from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. There  was so much excitement in the room when the phone rang. Once we were told that  we retained our Magnet status, the crowd just erupted into applause and cheer  as the conversation was played out on a speaker phone.

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Art is a very natural way for children to make sense of their world.  By creating art, kids can manipulate and take ownership of the objects and space around them. To guide patients in this process, as well as to help them work through issues surrounding being in the hospital, Children’s Hospital has added art therapy to our expanding art program. As Children’s Hospital’s art therapist, I have the amazing opportunity to work with our patients in groups and one-on-one at the bedside to foster creative expression and healing through art.

Student artists get involved
The creation of Children’s Corporate Center a few years ago was seen as a great opportunity to partner with the community. The hospital asked art teachers at local schools to work with their students to come up with ways to make Children’s Hospital brighter, energized, and more child friendly. Today, what we see is a colorful building, inside and out, that is decorated with fantastic artwork created and then generously donated by local students, ranging in age from kindergarten to high school.

We are so thrilled that the west tower expansion project provided an opportunity to continue this community partnership program.  The response has been tremendous – more than a dozen schools have contributed almost 500 works of art to Children’s Hospital! When the west tower opens in just a few weeks, you will be amazed at the architecture, the colors and the overall beauty of the new building, enhanced by these kids’ wonderful, colorful artwork.

Because we can’t possibly describe this incredible artwork, we’ve put together a short video that highlights what you will see in the new west tower. Be sure to take a peek!

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When Carole Caine and I began hosting the “Miracle Marathon” on 96.5 WKLH back in 1998 we had no idea what to expect. It was our first ever 60 hour radio marathon, a.k.a. “radiothon” and it went by in a flash. Sure, we knew we’d be exhausted. Obviously we knew we would raise some money. But we had no idea! Having never planned something like this before, we were woefully short on volunteers and operators. At one point I was on-air trying to stall for time, because Carole, our producer, and even one of my scheduled interview guests had to go and help answer phones! It was obvious that we were all experiencing something very special.

So, what made this so special? Quite simply: the kids. Their stories and the way they tell them are priceless. These children display uncommon wisdom and a sense of humor. Their stories and the genuineness they exude touch everyone within earshot. These kids, and their families, are what make the Miracle Marathon so special.

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