Helping the Healing

My child had non-emergency surgery this week.  Although I knew the surgery was going to happen for quite a while, when it came time for my child to be wheeled back to the operating room, it was quite emotional for me.  The heartache and mental anguish I felt when strangers wheeled my baby away was almost overwhelming.  But, my family is lucky, blessed really.  Ministers and church members were with us to pray before surgery and to sit with us during the surgery.  We had many get-well-wishes from friends and family both near and far.  The prayers, the thoughts and acts of kindness helped me to get through this both emotionally and spiritually.  I am grateful to everyone who texted, emailed, called or just sent good-thoughts in general.  I am especially grateful to everyone who prayed, I can’t thank you enough.

As my child, swollen and bloodied from surgery, lay in the hospital bed sleeping, I thanked God for a successful surgery and prayed for a quick and complete recovery.  However, as I reflected on the day, I began to wonder about those parents who watch their child, broken and bleeding from some trauma or injury, and how they deal with the heartache and anguish.  How do parents, watching their child fight the ravages of cancer or debilitating disease, survive and function to carry on another day?  Are they blessed with the support of friends and church to help them soldier on or are they alone with no one to support or care?

And what about the parents who, while suffering through their child’s medical troubles, have to worry about the out-of-pocket costs of treatment or whether insurance will pay? How do you practically live at the hospital, knowing you may have to sell your home to pay for treatment?

How do we help these people in their time of trouble? How do we let them know that there is a support network of people who care?  We can help by donating our money and our time.

There are many charities, both local and national, that accept monetary donations.  Ronald McDonald House Charities provide housing, at little or no costs, so families can stay close to their hospitalized child.  Shriners Hospitals for Children have hospitals that specialize in orthopedics, burn care, cleft lip and palate repair, and spinal cord injuries, and patients are accepted based on medical need, not ability to pay.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is dedicated to finding cures and preventative means to stop devastating and often tragic childhood diseases.  They too, accept patients based on medical need, not the ability to pay.

Closer to home, many hospitals have organizations with volunteers to help patients and families by serving as patient escorts, information clerks, or as hosts in critical care waiting areas.  Not only do these volunteers provide valuable services to the patients and families, they free up hospital resources or reduce hospital costs.

Some hospitals also have hospitality houses or apartments, providing housing for family members while their child is hospitalized.  Many are run by non-profit organizations that rely on donations and volunteers to keep them operating. 

Help these families and children in their time of need by donating to one of these or other patient services organizations.  Volunteer your time, either by serving as a volunteer or by helping with fundraising activities.  Sometimes it’s as simple as participating in a local fundraising fun run or bake sale, manning a phone, or saying prayers.  This is a time of great need.   Remember the Golden Rule and do onto others as you would like them to do unto you.  Be part of the blessing and provide comfort to a family struggling with a medical crisis. Get involved and help.