Happy Graduation!!!

A group of teen patients at UNC Hospital showed us firsthand how different but beautiful teenagers can be after they planned a student driven graduation ceremony for a fellow patient.  The patient has hoped for weeks to be discharged in time for his 8th grade graduation.  When his fellow students heard that he would not be discharged, they asked the teachers if they could plan a graduation.  With a one day turn around, the teachers pulled together decorations, a cap, gown, and a diploma.  In a true act of kindness, his fellow students created a full graduation program which included cards, speeches, and original acoustic songs.  These inspiring original songs celebrated the upcoming transition to high school and reminded us all to stay strong and “live on” even during difficult times.  Every patient, staff, and family member who attended this  graduation was thankful for the experience and in awe of the creativity, compassion, and humanity shown by this amazing group of kids. 

NC Zoo!!

Today, the Academic Troubadour program brought the North Carolina Zoo to the Hospital School.  Our students got to see many different animal artifacts and learn about animals.  The hairs in the bag are tough like wires, but actually come from an elephant’s tail.  Did you know that an elephant’s trunk has 100,000 different muscles in it? This allows them to be gentle and strong at the same time.  The bag also holds a model ostrich egg.  On the table is a model of a gorilla’s skull.  Did you know that gorillas are the largest living primate?  They weigh about 400 pounds.

 

Raphael Volcano

Drew and his teacher Miss Anna, created a volcano out of a soda bottle, flour, salt, water, and paint and on Tuesday, "Raphael Volcano" erupted several times!

A Day of Magic at The Hospital School

Sophie gets her new Kidney!

 

Sophie, a 6 year old from Manteo, NC,  just received a kidney transplant, donated by her mother Kelly. After  a lengthy inpatient admission, Sophie and her mom stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while waiting for her transplant work-up to be complete.  Sophie  loves school and has enjoyed coming to the pediatric classroom to keep up with her school work. Her favorite activity is reading the Junie. B. Jones series with Ms. Weatherly.  So far they have read 9 books together!.  Although Sophie is shy and quiet, she tells us that her brother, Jack, is just like Junie B.! Read more about Sophie here.

Harrison's Story

Five year old Harrison is no stranger to the NC Children’s Hospital. His long journey started at birth and he has endured many hospitalizations and procedures along the way; as well as a few setbacks.  Recently, Harrison had to resume coming to UNC 3 days a week for hemodialysis treatments due to his body rejecting his kidney transplant. Not long after going back on dialysis, he contracted a rare infection.  Unfortunately, the treatment necessary to treat this infection caused him to have total loss of hearing.  On March 11, 2014, Harrison had cochlear implant surgery in his right ear. Next week, his implant will be “turned on” and he is excited about being able to hear again and having the surgery repeated in his left hear.   Despite all of this, Harrison continues to be a happy and energetic kindergartener.  Ms. Weatherly, Harrison’s Hospital School teacher is one of his biggest fans. “ Every day that Harrison and I work together I am reminded of what a remarkable young man he is. I always look forward to working with Harrison because of  his playful, affectionate, personality and inquisitive nature.  But most of all, even though I’ll miss him, I look forward to the time when he won’t have to have school at the hospital  anymore.”  Read more about Harrison’s story and the many lives he has touched.

Evie

Evie, a student at the Hospital School off an on for over a year, received a new kidney February 18 at UNC Hospitals. She was spotlighted on the WNCN News  twice as she shaved her dad's beard which he had grown since February 2013 in support of his daughter as she waited for a new kidney.  Evie was featured on the Children's Organ Transplant Association website and on the news before the transplant. Read about her courageous journey here and watch the video. Congratulations Evie!