NBC News - Cancer center employees craft a 'holiday hallway' for children undergoing treatment
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center creates a holiday wonderland in a basement hallway, spanning nearly three city blocks, to provide a joyful escape for patients and their families. This transformation, which takes weeks to prepare, is a collaborative effort by about 30 employees from the facilities department who volunteer their time and skills. The initiative aims to bring happiness to patients like 11-year-old Eda Salsbury, who recently underwent surgery and is experiencing the decorated hallway for the first time. The project highlights the dedication and teamwork of the staff, who go beyond their usual roles to create a magical environment for the children.
Key Points:
- Memorial Sloan Kettering transforms a basement hallway into a holiday wonderland for patients.
- The project spans nearly three city blocks and takes weeks to prepare.
- About 30 employees volunteer their time and skills to create the decorations.
- The initiative provides a joyful escape for patients and their families.
- The project demonstrates the dedication and teamwork of the staff.
Details:
1. 🏥 A Wonderland in the Hospital Basement
- The hospital basement has been transformed into a 'Wonderland' to provide a distraction from medical environments.
- The space spans nearly three city blocks, offering a significant area for patients and visitors.
- This initiative aims to improve patient experience by creating a comforting and engaging environment away from the clinical setting.
- Features include interactive art installations, themed play areas for children, and relaxation zones for adults.
- The transformation addresses the need for a non-clinical space to reduce stress and anxiety among patients and visitors.
2. 🎄 Transforming the Hallway: Eda's Magical Experience
- The transformation of the basement hallway at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center into a holiday-themed space is an annual event that takes weeks to prepare.
- This year marks the first experience for 11-year-old Eda Salsbury, who visits the holiday hallway with her family, highlighting the impact of the transformation on visitors.
- The event is designed to create a magical experience for visitors, with attention to detail that captivates children and families.
3. 🤝 Healing Journeys and Heartfelt Volunteer Efforts
- Doctors at MSK successfully removed a tumor and performed specialized surgery on a patient's leg, marking a significant medical achievement.
- The patient experienced a change of environment, moving from a long stay in a hospital room to a newly decorated space, enhancing their recovery experience.
- Approximately 30 employees from the facilities department volunteered their time and skills to create handmade decorations, demonstrating a strong team effort and community spirit.
- Volunteers included painters, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers, showcasing their diverse skills beyond their usual roles.
- The initiative was driven by a heartfelt desire to contribute positively to the patients' experiences, emphasizing teamwork and dedication to making a difference for the children.