Diana Rosenbach is a bright-eyed, energetic 13-year-old with the whole world at her feet. And she’s not wasting any time taking advantage of all the things it has to offer, including helping others.
Last year during winter break, she and her good friend, Ilyse Acosta, devised a volunteer project — a sort of mini-camp to keep younger kids busy while out of school. It was a volunteer project different than the others Rosenbach had done.
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Diana Rosenbach, right, gives one of her “mini- camp” customers a foot massage. Rosenbach and a friend raised $800 to benefit liver transplant patients at UNMC. |
She sent out formal letters to children, ages 6 to 10, who signed up for a day of pampering and activities. They offered manicures, pedicures, facials, and sporting and craft activities. Even lunch was included in the $18 camp fee.
There was not a lot of leisure time for Rosenbach and Acosta, who worked from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Pre-work also meant the girls had to shop and bake. But it was worth it, said Rosenbach.
“I like to do volunteer stuff all the time and wanted to do something different,” said Rosenbach. “It was a lot of work but I love being with little kids and really felt like I had done something when I was finished.”
The two raised $800 to benefit liver transplant patients at UNMC. The donations will be used for a variety of purposes, including emergency needs for patients and also research studies designed to improve the treatment and outcomes for transplant patients, said Carin Borg, administrative director, UNMC department of surgery.
Alan Langnas, D.O., UNMC professor of surgery and chief, section of multi-organ transplantation, said the donation will make a big difference in the lives of transplant patients and families. “It’s very heartwarming to see our young people, and leaders for tomorrow, doing things to help others. I’m sure our patients will appreciate it very much.”
Rosenbach, who lives in Tampa, Fla., and is the granddaughter of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. and wife, Beverly, is no stranger to knowing about health problems and how they impact children.
The decision of where the funds should go came during Rosenbach’s visit with family friends, one of whom was a 13-year-old liver transplant recipient. “It was really easy to decide what I wanted to donate the money to,” she said.
Although the camp was hectic at times, she’d do it again. “Parents want me to do it again,” she said. “I loved it. I had the best time. I enjoy doing things where I can give back.”