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May 15th, 2012
 2012 Volunteer Services Scholarship winners, from L to R: Amanda Monn, Hai Nguyen-Tran, Anvita Singh, VaShondra Harris, Laura Ruiz-Colon, & Danielle Honnette. Last Thursday, May 10th, Volunteer Services had the honor and pleasure of celebrating the talent and hard work of six of our volunteers at our annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony. To be eligible for a scholarship, volunteers must have a minimum of 250 hours of service, complete a comprehensive scholarship application, and support Children’s mission through their commitment and excellence. Danielle Honnette, Hai Nguyen-Tran, Anvita Singh, VaShondra Harris, Amanda Monn, & Laura Ruiz-Colon were the 2012 Volunteer Services Scholarship recipients. Our department is proud to support their future career goals by giving each volunteer a check for $1,000 towards furthering their academic studies. We were fortunate to have President and CEO Dr. Alan Goldbloom, Vice President of Human Resources Dave Brumbaugh, and our own Director of Volunteer Services Sandy Bergeron speak on behalf of the organization, thanking the volunteers for their time and praising them for their efforts and care that they have given patients and families. In addition, physical therapists Lynn Tanner & Katherine (Ites) Wacker joined us, sharing the positive impact that their volunteer had on the Rehab Department.
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners! We are so proud to have had the pleasure of working with you, and wish you the best in your future endeavors!
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May 14th, 2012
 Volunteer Casey Monson with cat Sammy “So you wanna be a nurse, huh?”
If someone had asked me this in college, I would have burst into laughter. Me? A nurse? I could hardly pluck my mother’s eyebrows for her without getting a little squeamish; why would I ever pursue a health care career?
As a Children’s volunteer, I got to spend time in the hospital, but didn’t need to do anything that made me squeamish. Making someone feel better when they are in the hospital goes far beyond caring for their medical needs. As a volunteer, you focus on the emotional needs of patients and their families. Volunteering involved me driving 45 minutes from my house, sometimes getting stuck in traffic, and sweating without any air conditioning in my car…but all of that faded the moment my red vest went on.
As a volunteer, you meet children who will stay in your heart forever because of the connections that you make with them. I remember one young boy who wanted to play Wii: luckily, I have brothers and am skilled in the art of video games! I played for him while he pointed out the football plays that I should have made. I don’t know a thing about football, but we smiled and laughed anyway. That day, he was really sad to see me go, and it was difficult to end my shift! Another child I won’t forget was in no mood to play. She only wanted to be held and rocked, and made it very clear that she was not happy to see the nurses when they needed to come in to check her blood sugar. They finished their tests quickly, and I was able to come back and continue spending time with her: just rocking and holding, rocking and holding. As a volunteer, be prepared to just be a teddy bear sometimes!
It can be difficult for a child when a younger sibling is getting so much attention because they are sick. I will never forget these two sisters that I spent time with: they had more energy than an entire soccer team confined in their two tiny bodies. We played “house” in the playroom, where I did “homework” and the girls (“Mom” and “Auntie”) told me what to do! I showed them the Japanese alphabet that I learned to write in college. They were so intrigued, and in return, they started writing their own alphabet’s characters. It was then my turn to be the curious one!
Volunteers help out parents, too. I will never forget a mother who was nervous about leaving her child with me because of his special needs. I mentioned to her not to worry, I have a lot of experience with kids with special needs (most of this experience coming from my brother who has a similar disability). Her eyes lit up, and I was suddenly just the listener she was craving. She felt so comfortable with me that I spent my entire shift with them. Don’t forget to be a caring listener; it’s one of the best types of medicine out there.
So here I am, weeks away from beginning nursing school, and I only wish that I would have volunteered sooner. To all Children’s volunteers, new or veteran: you’re making such a difference, not only in the lives you touch at the hospital, but in your own life. Because of you, others find relief, as well as a fun playmate: you may find that you are a “jack-of-all-games!” No matter what sort of day you have outside of Children’s, your time here each week makes you stronger, kinder, and filled with power to make a difference wherever you go.
Warmest thoughts from a volunteer, who never dreamed she’d want to become a nurse….ever.
Sincerely,
Casey Monson
Inpatient Unit Volunteer, 2011-2012
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April 25th, 2012
Guest blog contributor Tessa Billman is Children’s Family Coordinator, and leads the Families As Partners program.
Families As Partners promotes, coordinates, and supports family involvement throughout Children’s organization. Those who are involved are current or former patient families. Opportunities include the Family-to-Family program, Family Advisory Council, Family Advocates, Family Advisors, and the Youth Advisory Council.
Here are a few insights into the program through volunteers’ eyes!
 Veronica with newborn daughter, Kate
“I find so much joy in visiting with parents at their children’s bedsides and discussing the concerns that are on their minds. We count ourselves extremely fortunate to be able to provide a strong, living testimony of the excellent work done at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.”
Veronica, NICU Pizza Break Host, Peer Mentor and Family Rounding Partner
 Renee with her children
“As Chair of the Family Advisory Council, I have seen firsthand the partnership shared between families and Children’s staff. The council, which is made up of families and staff, works together to provide input and influence on policies, programs and practices throughout the hospital to ensure that Patient and Family-Centered Care is achieved.”
Renee, Family Advisory Council Chairperson
 Jody and kids
“Participating on the Cystic Fibrosis Family Council (CFFC) has been a great opportunity as a parent to partner with my daughter’s care team to enhance our life experiences as well as other patients and families living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). In an effort to support these families, the team developed a brochure, Traveling with CF, to help families prepare for and enjoy traveling.”
Jody, Cystic Fibrosis Family Council
 Kate with family
“Our family story may be hard to share and sometimes hard to hear; nonetheless, it is even more gratifying to feel understood. It is fulfilling to know that our daughters’ experiences could possibly influence our legislators’ abilities to represent children, families and our local hospitals, and have better outcomes because of it.”
Kate, Family Advocate who met with Senator Al Franken
Thank you, family volunteers, for your dedication to improving patient & family experiences here at Children’s!
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April 20th, 2012
As a part of National Volunteer Recognition Week, we are highlighting volunteers who serve in many different capacities to benefit the patients and families at Children’s Hospital. The Children’s Association in Minneapolis, and the Children’s Hospital Association in St. Paul volunteer to provide fundraising support to the mission of Children’s Hospital.
The Children’s Association – Minneapolis was founded in 1958 with the mission of providing fundraising and service support for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Through the dedicated efforts of its volunteer membership, the Association has raised over $10,000,000 to benefit a variety of programs and projects at Children’s.
 Children's Association volunteers assist in the Gift Shop “I joined the Children’s Association – Minneapolis 24 years ago in a desperate attempt to meet people after my move to Minnesota! It didn’t take me long to realize that this was an organization of sincere, dedicated, determined and friendly women who have one goal in mind: to work hard “For the Love of Children.” That enthusiasm was contagious, and I instantly became “hooked” on the spirit and goals of the Association. Over the years, I have been involved in many diverse opportunities to serve Children’s, such as creating items for the annual Craft Bazaar, working at the PGA concessions, helping at home tours, golf tournaments, luncheons, and rummage sales, volunteering in the Storybook Gift Shop, and now fulfilling my current role as Association President. It is such a gratifying and proud feeling to walk through the halls at Children’s and see the many places, programs, and people that have benefitted from the hard work by my friends in the Association.”
-Carol Evans, 2012 President
Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) is composed of deeply committed individuals who volunteer their time and talent on behalf of children and families who, at the time of their visit, may be facing a need unlike any they have ever faced. CHA is a strong volunteer organization that uses a variety of fundraising ideas to achieve success such as Table Talk, a unique gathering of dynamic and diverse women in a format that encourages conversation and new connections, held August 1st at the Town and Country Club, and our 63rd Annual Benefit, the Storyland Ball, held October 27th at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
 CHA members at a garden tea party fundraiser CHA has 16 guilds located throughout the metro area that fundraise through Holiday Home Tours, rummage sales, fashion shows, garden teas and tours, plant sales, Lobster Fests and so much more! Through CHA’s volunteer efforts, $658,500,000 has been pledged to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota for 2012.
 CHA's Annual Rummage Sale Fundraiser Thank you to the many volunteers who make both of these organizations so successful. The work that you do to raise funds and spread awareness for Children’s is incredible!
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April 20th, 2012
Corporate volunteers at Children’s help with everything from providing meals for patients and families to staffing the many events that we have throughout the year. Oh, and they sure know how to throw a great party!
 Kohl's Associates in Action at the Children's booth at the Minnesota State Fair Already in 2012, UnitedHealth Group has hosted a winter carnival, RJF Agencies has provided & served a pizza lunch to patients and families, Famous Dave’s has provided multiple meals on both campuses, and Walgreen’s has continued to provide an ice cream social for patients, families and staff on both campuses each month! In addition, corporate teams from Target, Optum and others have volunteered a portion of their team meeting time to put together and donate craft kits and comfort items – this is a great way for large groups to volunteer their time at their own offices.
Children’s greatly appreciates the time and talents of these wonderful volunteers and the comfort, care and ease that their generosity provides for the families that we serve. To learn more about what companies are doing to support Children’s, visit the Corporate Partner page on Children’s website–and to learn more about corporate volunteerism, contact Kiirsten at kiirsten.preble@childrensmn.org!
 UnitedHealth Group volunteers at the "Winter Carnival" they hosted at Children's-Minneapolis
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April 19th, 2012
 Tom Hayden Tom Hayden has been volunteering on the inpatient units at Children’s-Minneapolis since 2009. His warm smile, positive energy, and good humor are always great to see on Thursday mornings! Here is a bit about Tom, in his own words:
“I was born and raised on a farm six miles east of LeSueur, the second of eleven children. After high school, I spent two years in the Navy on the East Coast. After the service, I received my first job at an advertising agency, where I met my wife, Kathy. We just celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary, and have two children, Kevin & Mika. I find great enjoyment in our six grandchildren’s sports activities, band & choir concerts, plays, etc. Since Kathy and I were restricted from working at the same firm, I moved to Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis. After 21 years, I started a new career at Allison-Williams Company, sold tax-free municipal bonds to individuals and institutions for ten years, then moved to Smith-Barney and worked as a broker for 19 years. My goal was to work for 50 years in downtown Minneapolis: I did 49! After my stroke on October 15th, 2007, I decided to retire on May 1, 2008.
After retirement, I decided to apply to volunteer at Children’s Hospital. I always worked toward goals in my career, and am continuing to do so as a volunteer. I have 365 hours as a volunteer here thus far; my current goal is 400 hours by the end of 2012. My next goal will be 500 hours, to be completed in 2013.
I enjoy being a volunteer: the interaction with nursing staff, helping children, and allowing families to have a break. I feel privileged to work with the staff in the volunteer office. It’s a special honor to volunteer.”
Thank you, Tom, for your wonderful volunteer work here at Children’s! WE are honored to have you on our team!
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April 19th, 2012
What would our department do without Annika Johanson? From covering the desk in the Surgery Family Waiting Room to distributing flyers for Star Studio, she does it all! Read on to learn more about this amazing young lady, who has already donated 230 hours of service in 2012!
 Annika Johanson, hard at work in the Star Studio!
Where do you volunteer, and how long have you been volunteering?
“I started volunteering at Children’s in June 2011. Currently, I volunteer on Mondays on the inpatient units and in Star Studio (Bingo), and Tuesdays with Star Studio (Kids’ Clubhouse) and the Surgery Family Waiting Room. Last summer, I volunteered in both the Surgery Family Waiting Room and the Pre-Surgery Program for child life. This past January, I did a little bit of everything for a career exploration credit through my college.”
What is your educational background & future career interest?
“I just received my B.A. in Psychology from Gustavus, and want to become a Child Life Specialist!”
What brought you to Children’s?
“My dad is a pediatrician and my mom used to be a pediatric nurse, so, growing up, I was familiar with and felt comfortable in the hospital setting. As I began to consider different pediatric healthcare careers in college (Child Life, in particular), I decided to start volunteering to help myself figure out what direction I should take. I wanted not just to be around kids, but to be with kids – and to do something to help others while also learning more about myself. ”
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not volunteering?
“Outside of volunteering at Children’s, I enjoy painting, origami, cooking/baking, jetskiing, being outdoors, and just spending quality time with my friends and family. During the summer, I love being a nanny to two very awesome little girls!”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
“My experience at Children’s has been more than I had ever expected it to be! The best part by far is the kids – being able to make that little connection that makes a big difference, even when you can’t see it right away. I’ve come to understand the value of a simple smile when it seems like everything else in the child’s world is going wrong. I get to be a kid again when I go to Children’s…who could ask for anything more?” 
Thank you, Annika, for being such an incredible asset to our volunteer program! We’re lucky to have you!
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April 19th, 2012
 Anthony Brown 
Anthony Brown is a Normandale nursing student who has been a volunteer on the inpatient units at Children’s-Minneapolis since November 2011. He is currently on a leave of absence to care for his infant son: as you’ll see from the pictures above, we’re sure that Anthony has all the right “kid skills!”
What is your educational background & future career objective?
“I am currently in my final year of nursing school. My goal is to become a full-time children’s nurse. I enjoy helping kids recover and feel better.”
What brought you to Children’s?
“I decided to volunteer in order to gain experience in the hospital setting. I also wanted to influence and help children’s recovery. I think that children need to have fun and play, despite the fact that they are in the hospital.”
What kinds of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not volunteering?
“I love to travel. In fact, I have traveled to 30 countries on all populated continents (never quite made it to Antarctica). I enjoy learning about other cultures, and experiencing different ways of life. At home, I enjoy outdoor activities such as softball, fishing, and hiking. My two favorite sports are baseball and football.”
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
“I really like helping kids have fun. I like seeing them smile and laugh, and forget about their ailments for the time being. I also enjoy allowing parents to have time to rest and relax while I care for their child.
P.S. A special perk is that I get to make fun of Ingrid and Jenna…they could always use a little provoking!”
Thank you, Anthony, for your fun-loving spirit and good humor!
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April 19th, 2012
 Erik Mendoza-Riveros
Erik Mendoza-Riveros is one of the most motivated high-schoolers that you will ever meet! For the past year, he has committed to volunteering on weekends (Saturday/Sunday shifts), in addition to a busy school schedule! Erik describes his motivations for volunteering below:
“Hi! My name is Erik Mendoza-Riveros. I have been volunteering for a year at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. I am very optimistic about life: my motto is to make the best out of any and every situation. My intentions are always to help others, and to treat everyone the way that I want to be treated.
I am a student at Roosevelt High School. Before coming to Children’s, I thought, “Well…I need sixty volunteer hours for school; why not try Children’s Hospital?” I am a very busy man, and try to be as involved as possible with as many things as I can: consider me a “multitasker!” My inspiration to be the person that I am today is my friend, Samuel Joaquin Flores: I look up to him, and he is my role model.
As I started to volunteer more and more, trying to adapt my tough schedule at the same time, I felt more involved in the hospital. I now feel truly connected to these kids’ perspectives: I, myself, have gotten very sick, and spending only a couple of days in the hospital makes me feel like I need the outdoors.
I cannot express my gratitude for being a volunteer at Children’s, I don’t get paid, and don’t wish to volunteer for hours anymore, either. I simply want to make children smile. I believe that, on a personal level, I get more from volunteering than the mere hours that I put in: I get to make a child’s day at Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota!”
Thank you, Erik, for your dedication to brightening patients’ days here at Children’s! We appreciate you & your commitment!
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April 19th, 2012
Volunteers assisting with Rehabilitation Services at Children’s are enrolled in an academic track for Occupational, Physical or Speech Therapy careers. Volunteers assist therapists on a regular basis with appointments, helping to prepare activities and support the work of the therapist during patient sessions.
 Occupational Therapist Emily Debreto and Volunteer Mary Testen
What are rehab therapists & volunteers saying about their work together?
“Mary is an extraordinary volunteer and an asset to our department. My patients look forward to seeing Mary each week. She has done an amazing job assisting with new Occupational Therapy projects, and her creative ideas are appreciated. I would not be as efficient with my schedule if it were not for Mary setting up all of the treatment sessions. Mary ALWAYS goes above and beyond. Thank you, Mary!”
-Emily DeBreto, Occupational Therapist (Children’s Rehab-St. Paul)
“Ever since I started volunteering, Emily DeBreto has been so welcoming and open. I’ve learned so much from observing Emily work with her patients and their families/caregivers. She is so good about explaining what she is doing and why: she shares the OT viewpoint, which is helpful to me since I’d like to go to school for OT. She cares a lot about her patients, and always makes me feel appreciated & valued as a volunteer.”
-Mary Testen, rehab volunteer
 Volunteer Beth Steigauf
“It is wonderful to have an extra and competent pair of hands helping me with patients. Beth has a fabulous attitude and is open to doing all of the crazy O.T. things that I do!”
-Katie Gehrz, Occupational Therapist (Children’s Rehab-Roseville)
“As a student, volunteering at Children’s has not only fulfilled my academic requirements, but has helped me to (finally) decide on my career path. I am truly fascinated by the staff and their compassion to help these youngsters. I am so excited to take what I’ve learned and use it in my next step in life. I will continue to volunteer through school (Masters of O.T.) and, one day, hope to join the amazing Children’s team.”
-Beth Steigauf, rehab volunteer
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