Offering toys to ease the emotions of a child's hospital stay
A new stuffed animal or action figure won't make a hospital visit less painful for a child. But new toys will bring a smile. This is the idea behind Andrea's Closet.
Stephanie Camou, a patient at Mendy's Place, picks the first toy from Andrea's Closet.
Every patient at KidsZone (the pediatric unit at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital) and Mendy's Place (the hospital's 24/7 pediatric emergency department) is able to visit Andrea's Closet and select a new toy to keep. The choice of toys empowers children and keeps them smiling.
The closet is named in honor of Andrea Brunk, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 8. During her treatment, Andrea was given a small stuffed animal or toy by hospital staff.
The most rewarding day for Andrea was the day she discovered an entire closet full of toys at the hospital. Her eyes lit up with excitement when she was able to pick out a toy of her choice.
Andrea died in 2002, just before her 10th birthday. In her remembrance, her parents established closets filled with toys in other hospitals. Decorated with ladybugs and tulips — reproductions of Andrea’s artwork — the closet on wheels at Deer Valley Hospital is the 32nd one.
Andrea's Closet is always looking for donations to keep children smiling during their hospital stay. For information on how to donate to Andrea's Closet call 623-879-1656.