you can still be tough and carry your stuff...

I just received a call from Colette U.  Lutheran General Hospital saying that she has distributed the article she wrote about the Poncho Project and it has recently appeared in our local Pioneer Press and on www.yournews.com (Park Ridge IL, Health section) . You can see the story below.

I would also like to extend a very special thank you to Nancy F., Connie S., Sandy C., Cristine S. and Linda L.  who have requested poncho pattern kits to begin making and donating ponchos at their own local hospitals.  I am telling you... there are going to be some pretty happy, well covered up kids sporting some stylish ponchos very soon in and ICU near you!  

In the mean time, Andrew has requested a bag for himself... red one.  He calls it his "Man Bag"... he told me "Mom, I can still be tough and carry my stuff".  Of course, Andrew didn't want to be pose for a picture but Sean was more than eager to model his Man Bag or Murse (Man+Purse= Murse).  

from www.yournews.com 
Poncho Project 3:00PM

Poncho Project provides handmade comfort to patients


PARK RIDGE, Illinois (YN) - RaeAnn Collins of Lindenhurst recently made a delivery of homemade ponchos for patients at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge. The bright, colorful ponchos are individually wrapped in bags tagged with a note that reads, “Hi, friend. My name is Sam and I spent lots of time in the hospital too…so my mom made this especially for you.”

Sam, 6, was born with Down syndrome at just 27 weeks and has undergone a number of surgeries and suffered other health issues requiring hospitalization.

“I was inspired by all the children I know who are battling cancer everyday and I thank God that Sam has not had to fight that battle,” said RaeAnn.

Pediatric leukemia is very common in children born with Down syndrome – a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1,000 births. Leukemia is from 10 to 30 times more common in these children than in the general population.

“My hope is that these ponchos will not only be warm but stylish and perhaps bring a smile to a child’s face. At the very least cover up what the hospital gowns do not,” said RaeAnn. The ponchos are made to easily slip over the patient’s heads and won’t interfere with IVs, monitors and other tubes. The fleece ponchos are softer, warmer and less restrictive than hospital gowns. RaeAnn ties the fleece in knots while waiting in doctor’s offices or while her 7-year old son Andrew attends religious education class.

Sam and his parents along with his brothers Andrew and 18-month-old Sean will be taking a ‘Make a Wish’ trip to Disney World this fall.

“I turned the granters down twice thinking it was a time share offer,” laughed RaeAnn. “Sam’s been through so much and has been a real trooper through all of it. We’re excited to have the opportunity to go on this family vacation and are overwhelmed by all the kindness and generosity we’ve been shown. We have been so truly blessed and lucky in so many ways and it just feels right to give back what we can.”

Photo Caption: Rae Ann Collins delivers handmade fleece ponchos to Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital with the help of two of her sons, Sean and Sam.


Story Submitted By colette.urban@advocatehealth.com For more information visit www.advocatehealth.com/luth