Thanks to a financial gift from the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Eagles, young patients at UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, will soon have some fun places to hang out during their stay at the hospital.
FOE has donated more than $60,000 to help the medical center renovate a teenage activity room and a special playroom for infant, toddler and preschool-aged patients. The current playrooms and educational areas are too small and do not have the resources needed to provide young patients with the best experience possible.
“Being involved in this project just hit home with so many of our FOE members across the state,” said Sandy Biery, past state president of the Nebraska FOE. “We were really touched by the idea of giving young patients a place to have fun and help take their mind off their illnesses during their stay at the hospital.”
The teenage activity room will be renovated with a 50s theme complete with a juke box and a custom Chevy car couch. Debbie Conklin, child life specialist at The Nebraska Medical Center said she can hardly wait for the renovation to be complete.
“Our patients often spend so much time in this hospital, it is sometimes hard to find things to interest them and get them out of their hospital rooms. A room designated just for them will give them this incentive,” Conklin said. “I think these kids truly deserve this room. They are often away from family, school and friends for days, weeks and even months and so much normalcy is gone from their lives. To give them a place, a haven to go to, will be an amazing gift.”
The playroom for infants to preschool-aged children will offer these young patients a chance to have fun like other kids their age in a child friendly, protected, yet playful environment.
“We are very thankful for the generous donation from the Eagles to help create a home-like environment for our youngest patients and families. We look forward to transforming our current playroom with several interest areas that will allow children the freedom to explore and learn in their environment,” said Lisa Wallace-Spech, child life specialist at The Nebraska Medical Center.