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Upcoming Events
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Monday, July 6, 2009, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, 6p-8p
Royal Tuck In and Gimmie’ a Break
To volunteer for Tuck In contact Nikki Follis at 248-680-4770 or nikkifollis@gmail.com
Gimmie’ a Break salon volunteers contact Ruth Williams at 248-828-9972 or rwilliams6303@wowway.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 7pm, Chapter Meeting
Excel Academies of Cosmetology, Rochester Road, south of M-59.
All welcome! For more details contact Esther Skiba, Director,
qfad.heroes@gmail.com or 248/793-3120
Thursday, July 9, 2009, 12:30 pm - 5:00pm, Camp Quality, QFAD and Heroes
Fenton, Michigan—Tiki Island Adventure
Contact Beth Monicatti Blank to volunteer
bmonicattiblank@allseasonscommunications.com or 586-752-6381.
Friday, July 10, 2009, Children's Hospital of Michigan-Detroit 1-3pm
Contact Nikki Follis to volunteer nikkifollis@gmail.com or 248-680-4770
Monday, August 3, 2009, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, 6p-8p
Royal Tuck In and Gimmie’ a Break
To volunteer for Tuck In contact Nikki Follis at 248-680-4770 or nikkifollis@gmail.com
Gimmie’ a Break salon volunteers contact Ruth Williams at 248-828-9972 or rwilliams6303@wowway.com
 Saturday, August 8, 2009-2nd Annual Golf Outing to benefit children with cancer in Metro-Detroit.
Cracklewood Golf Course in Macomb Township.
Registration at 130pm with a shotgun start at 2pm. $99 cost includes 18 holes of golf with cart, 3 drink tickets and a buffet dinner. Buffet dinner only starts at 7pm. Adults $25 and under 18 is only $15. Download the registration form for additional details or contact Jeremy A. James, cell (248)345-4189 or devonsdaddy@hotmail.com
Players, Diners and Volunteers Wanted!
Friday, August 21, 2009, Camp Quality, QFAD and Heroes, Petoskey, Michigan -
Super Heroes
contact Ruth Williams at 248-866-0203
Monday, September TBD, 2009, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, 6p-8p
Royal Tuck In and Gimmie’ a Break
To volunteer for Tuck In contact Nikki Follis at 248-680-4770 or nikkifollis@gmail.com
Gimmie’ a Break salon volunteers contact Ruth Williams at 248-828-9972 or rwilliams6303@wowway.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 7pm, Chapter Meeting
Excel Academies of Cosmetology, Rochester Road, south of M-59.
All welcome! For more details contact Esther Skiba, Director,
qfad.heroes@gmail.com or 248/793-3120
Monday, October 5, 2009, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, 6p-8p
Royal Tuck In and Gimmie’ a Break
To volunteer for Tuck In contact Nikki Follis at 248-680-4770 or nikkifollis@gmail.com
Gimmie’ a Break salon volunteers contact Ruth Williams at 248-828-9972 or rwilliams6303@wowway.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 7pm, New Volunteer Informational Meeting
Ferndale, contact Ruth Williams at 248-866-0203
Monday, November 2, 2009, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, 6p-8p
Royal Tuck In and Gimmie’ a Break
To volunteer for Tuck In contact Nikki Follis at 248-680-4770 or nikkifollis@gmail.com
Gimmie’ a Break salon volunteers contact Ruth Williams at 248-828-9972 or rwilliams6303@wowway.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 7pm, Chapter Meeting
Excel Academies of Cosmetology, Rochester Road, south of M-59.
All welcome! For more details contact Esther Skiba, Director,
qfad.heroes@gmail.com or 248/793-3120
Monday, December 7, 2009, Children’s Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, 6p-8p
Royal Tuck In and Gimmie’ a Break
To volunteer for Tuck In contact Nikki Follis at 248-680-4770 or nikkifollis@gmail.com
Gimmie’ a Break salon volunteers contact Ruth Williams at 248-828-9972 or rwilliams6303@wowway.com
December 22, Children's Hospital of Michigan-Detroit 1-3pm
Contact Nikki Follis to volunteer nikkifollis@gmail.com
or 248-680-4770
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Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Visit- June 10, 2009
Debbie Hormel, QFAD/Heroes Beaumont Chairperson
Our visit this month centered around some very cute crafts and gifts the children could make for their father, grandfather or friend(s). They decorated foam can holders with names, words of wisdom, jewels or sporting stickers. Blue bags, blue tissue paper, and a homemade card completed the gifts. We had one little hero and one princess come to the Garden Room, and 4 bags of QFAD/Hero goodies along with a tiara and boa were given out at room visits. Princess Bailey was treated to a manicure in PICU by Catie Hormel and Patty Cody, along with several gifts to help brighten her stay.
A huge thank you to Patty, Catie, Beth Sills and Karen Blazek for making this a special time for all the children in the Pediatric wing. Your caring personalities and warm smiles went along way to making our visit special.
"Royal Tuck-In" Children's Hospital, Detroit - June 8, 2009
By Nikki Follis - Children's Hospital Tuck-In Coordinator
 We are off to a great start with the Royal Tuck-In and Gimme a Break program at Children's Hospital. The program at Children's runs a bit differently than the rest of the hospitals considering we cannot go bedside, but nonetheless, it is going great. This was our second visit. We had five children in the playroom on both visits. Due to the age of the children, we have spent more time playing games with the young ones while the parents/grandparents went to see Ruth and her group of Gimme a Break pamperers!
Each child received a book of his/her choice and was read to by one of our wonderful volunteers. I had three new volunteers with me at this visit: Gretchen Swanson, Dawn Lietzke, and Mary Wimsatt. All are teachers at the elementary level and are amazing with the kids. Many smiles were had by both the volunteers and the children.
Students from Baker College's massage therapy program joined in with Ruth and her Excel team for chair massages. There were also plenty of facials, parafin dips, and manicures that the parents, grandparents, siblings, and staff. Everyone was appreciative of the services offered in the salon. I saw many children being picked up from the activity room by glowing family members and much revived nurses!
Children's is really happy to have us on board and we look forward to our next visit in July.
Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan: Pediatric Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Visit-June 8, 2009
By Erin Jenkinson and Paula Jenkinson-
QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairpersons
Our visit to Hurley Medical Center was once again a wonderful success! The kids were notified in advance by the Child Life Specialist that we would be there that evening. Many were excited and waiting for us to arrive. We had 4 volunteers with 1 Queens and 1 Policeman in attendance. The volunteers were gracious enough to dress in their uniforms and tiaras, the kids were very excited to have “real policeman and beauty queen” visit with them.
Initially, we set-up a craft area and a nail polishing station in Paige’s playroom. We had only a couple of kids come down to Paige’s playroom to participate in these activities, as most the kids were in isolation or too ill to attend the playroom activities. The volunteers alternated working in Paige’s playroom with making bedside visits. Every child on the unit was visited by at least 2 volunteers. Every child received a stuffed animal and a storybook or puzzle book. The girls were all “crowned” by the queen, and given a boa. The boys were saluted and given a policeman badge and a Final Four 2009 basketball. These were definitely a hit with the boys, and a couple girls too.? A few of the kids had their picture taken and a copy was given to them.
Ann Arbor Mott Hospital Visit-May 27, 2009
By Jeremy James-QFAD/HEROES Mott Hospital Chairperson
 Another exciting event filled the hallways of Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. At 1:00 P.M., we had cops, cosmetologists and charming massage therapists in the revving up the Queen for a Day/Heroes Party! Mrs. Lisa Munch, Child Life Director, was kind in allowing us to throw pink boas and bounce basketballs all over the floor. On today’s visit, we met 17 girls, 19 boys and over a dozen parents.
We had several children visit us in the craft/picture room and hang out with several police officers from the Ann Arbor and Detroit Police Department. We were honored to have as our volunteer Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones, along with Officers Jennifer Sartori, Sean Lee and Jason Kitts. Officer John Gardner, Detroit PD, joined as well. They spent hours hammering out basketball and squirrel feeder kits donated by Lowe’s! Veteran volunteer Lori Faitel assisted with much needed help in keeping things in order during the initial rush!
Advisory Board member Ruth Williams came through again with an amazing group of gals from Excel Academies of Cosmetology, Troy. The facial expressions on the parents were a tell-all and your generosity is appreciated. Ruth and her talented gals offered facials, manicures, pedicures and paraffin wax dips. Thank you Juliette Johnson, Mollie Zentz, Sarah Beltowski, Julie Robinson, Sam Werhowatz, and Emily Copes.
Topping our visit was our massage therapist volunteers Haley Textor of the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy, and self-proprietor Maureen Bokctzim. As always, their line was the longest and I truly appreciate your patience and motivation!
We had a brief moment to spend with Ethin Twigg, who had spent months at Mott, along with his mother, Jessica. Unbeknownst to us during this picture, this was the last time we would spend with Ethin who earned his angel wings June 29, 2009.
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-May 18, 2009
By Dena Raminick-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator and QFAD/Heroes Detroit Founder
May 18th, Queen/Hero for a Day visited with some very special children at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. We had our largest volunteer group to date with five extras from Kelly Services as well as a grandmother/granddaughter and also father/daughter team. We began our visit in NICU and worked our way throughout the floor visiting over 25 kids, ranging in age from infant to 19. We shared fun conversations, bedtime stories and a few other goodies. The amazing team from Excel, led by Ruth Williams outdid themselves once again, pampering many caregivers with massages, manicures, paraffin hand dips and facials. It was a flawless effort and a wonderful time had by all.
QFAD/Heroes and Gilda’s Club Fashion Show - May 9, 2009
By Nikki Follis-Fashion Show Chairperson
We had a great time at the 2nd Annual Spring Fashion show held at the Parisian store at the Partridge Creek Mall.
This year we opened the event up to boys and girls ages 3-21. We had 20 kids in attendance that day including 17 girls and 3 boys.
The day began with time spent at either Excel Academies of Cosmetology or Parisian’s personal salon made possible by Excel. The Excel students took the time to provide hair, makeup, and nail services to all of the participants involved ensuring that they would look their absolute best for the event.
The next step was to the dressing room where they were able to change into their outfits provided by Parisian. Personal shoppers were available this year to provide each participant with the shopping experience of a lifetime!
Cristine’s Camera and McConnell Photography provided photo shoots of the participants and each child went home with a CD photo memory of their day. Jeff Gudme was on hand for the videography and the participants will soon have a DVD of all of the events that day including their walk down the runway.
Those arriving while the participants were getting ready were greeted by the Tea Party Castle princesses. They were so beautiful. The girls thought their addition to the event was perfect.
Just like last year, smiles, tears and cheers filled the room as soon as the participants started their way down the runway. Jenny Ikeler took the time to speak to the audience about her story at the end of the show. This was a great addition to hear her speak of how far she has come to be where she is today. It truly is wonderful to be a part of such a great event. These kids are amazing!
We had a great turnout with approximately 150 people in attendance. Thank you to all of the volunteers that came out to help the day of the event as well as those who assisted prior to! There was a lot of work that went into planning the event and the final outcome really showed how much the effort really made a difference! We can’t wait to start planning for our 2010 event!
Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Visit- May 7, 2009
Debbie Hormel, QFAD/Heroes Beaumont Chairperson
It was all about Mother’s Day for our fun craft project at our QFAD/Heroes party. Our kids got to embellish a mug for Mom, or their caretaker, with jewels and scrapbook stickers creating one of a kind masterpieces! They were wrapped with love in pink tissue, pink bags, and homemade gift cards by the kids.
Nails and make-up were done by our new volunteer Sara ~ thanks Sara. Sean and Catie worked diligently at the craft table and Detroit P.D. officers Sheila, Alicia and Charles, delivered gifts bags to children and helped with the crafts.
We had 3 princesses attend our party and 3 room visits.
Thanks everyone for helping to bring positive enthusiasm and encouragement to our children and to help these precious ones make a gift for their caretakers.
QFAD Private visit with Adrian-April 22, 2009
By Jeremy James, Mott Hospital Chairperson
Ann Arbor Police Department’s finest Officers Jennifer Sartori and Sean Lee trekked a 5 hour round trip to Caro, MI, today to visit with Adrian and his mother, Tina. Being the police and military admirer that Adrian is, Officer Sartori put together his own personalized uniform. They were presented with an authentic police shirt, Ann Arbor police patches sewn into the shirt, a personalized name plate and authentic badge. The presentation was emotional to say the least and I truly appreciate the courage of Officers Sartori and Lee and their noble act.
Officers Sartori and Lee informed me that Adrian is receiving Hospice care and was pleasantly sleeping when they arrived.
QFAD Private visit with Adrian-April 18, 2009
By Jeremy James, Mott Hospital Chairperson
Last month, we hosted a QFAD/Heroes visit at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, where we met Hero Adrian. Adrian is the definition of a true “kid.” He’s vibrant, outgoing and likes to joke around and visit with the other kids on the oncology floor. During our visit, he donned the police gear and took personal pictures with our Hero volunteers from the Ann Arbor Police Department and U of M Department of Public Safety.
We received an email on April 16 from Mott staff that Adrian’s health had taken a turn for the worst. They informed us the cancer had moved to his liver and his prognosis was painful to hear. We were on a timeline and things had to happen fast…after some brainstorming, dozens of phone calls and some luck, we were a go!
On Saturday morning, April 18, our day was blessed with blue skies and warm sunshine for Adrian’s big day! At 7:45 A.M., Adrian was welcomed by Engine 2 and members of the Caro Fire Department (thanks Chief David Mattlin!). Adrian was escorted with lights and sirens to the Caro Airport, where over 50 people were waiting. He was greeted by family, friends, Michigan Galaxy pageant winners (thanks Debra Defoe!), three different police departments (thanks Caro PD, MSP, Tuscola County), Mobile Medical Response, and QFAD/Heroes representatives Esther, Debbie, Catie, Ron, Stephanie and me.
Once the cheering was done, Adrian was escorted to his very first helicopter ride! He and his dad toiled around town with Pilot Doug, of Vertical Expeditions. It was the perfect day with the perfect weather…this was meant to be.
A very special thank you goes out to Hog Brothers Recycling, in Detroit, as well as Police Officer Kim Seely, Detroit PD, and her father, for their bighearted donation which sponsored Adrian’s helicopter ride. They have continued to support QFAD/Heroes and we are humbled by your generosity.
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-April 13, 2009
By Lauren Elizabeth-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
The April 13th Beaumont visit was very well received by all! The volunteers, all ten of them, came with smiles on their faces and ready to brighten the days of the children in the hospital. We saw a total of 25 children and each child received a book or magazine, stuffed animal, brochure, handmade card, blanket or pillowcase, and the older kids even received a new NCAA Final Four basketball! The magazines were perfect for the children that were older, and the assortment of unisex stuffed animals were just right! Thanks to our ten eager volunteers, we were able to coordinate with the spa to make room visits for in-bed manicures and pedicures. The hospital is very pleased with our program!
QFAD Beauty Bash Fundraiser-April 7, 2009
By Esther Skiba, QFAD Metro Detroit Director
This year’s Beauty Bash seemed to be jinxed, the economy, reduced hours, fewer students to perform services and then SNOW the day of the fundraiser. But Angie Sanchez and her committee didn’t let that deter them.
As in past year guests were invited to get 2 salon services for a donation of $35 or purchase a gift certificate for the same at a later date. There was a wonderful silent auction featuring everything from gift baskets to a week stay at a condo in Daytona Beach, Fl. New this year was the addition of vendor/craft tables.
Even though the snow was swirling outside, the day was beautiful inside the school. Pink tulle and white lights glittered, and pictures of our Queens and Heroes adorned the walls. Thank you Sue and Marlene for decorating! Angie and her committee of volunteers did a fantastic job and because of their efforts over $5,000 was raised for our program!
QFAD Private visit with Kevin-April 2 and 14, 2009
By Jeremy James, Mott Hospital Chairperson
I was in communications with QFAD/Heroes volunteer Kelly Garrisi, who told me someone she knew, was being treated at Children’s Hospital in Detroit. She told me his name was Kevin and was 14 years old. She informed me he had a cancerous tumor removed from his brain and was in physical therapy. We set up a visit and everything was a go…
 On April 2, while at Children’s Hospital, I was surprised, to say the least. When I walked into the room, I immediately recognized Kevin from Camp Quality in Petoskey! I’ve visited with Kevin the past two years up there and the reunion was both joyful and somber. The Kevin I met in Petoskey had cancer when he was 3 years old, went through treatment and had been cancer-free all these years. I was unaware it had returned and that he was thrown back into the battle.
I had the pleasure of meeting his mother, Karen, who was warm and welcoming. She updated me on all of Kevin’s current happenings and was very eager to get Kevin healthy. QFAD/Heroes brought him some new walkie-talkies for his future turkey hunting expeditions, as well as other hunting items, which he loves. We took this picture and I promised to return and bring him some Final Four memorabilia.
On April 14, I went to Kevin’s house and dropped off some Final Four gear, including a basketball and shirts, which were generously donated by the NCAA. Kevin has been receiving his chemotherapy treatment and was sleeping during my visit. His mother Karen and I sat back and conversed for quite a while, which was therapeutic for both of us…
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-March 23, 2009
By Lauren Elizabeth-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
The March Royal Tuck In- Gimme’ A Break was a great success! Ten volunteers
arrived on time and were ready to go with eager attitudes. Each of the
volunteers had taken the time to educate themselves about the program ahead of
time either by attending volunteer training, e-mailing questions, or
researching the program online. They were given nametags, and assigned a
partner for the visit. The cart was loaded up with the beautiful blankets from
our Florida volunteer, new stuffed animals, and admirable children’s books. In
the ICU, we could not visit the children, but could invite the parents to the
Spa, and they were thankful! We proceeded to visit 15 children and 5 babies.
All the children were very thankful and happy to see us come around. The
parents were surprised that we were a volunteer program, and the newsletters
and Queen Note cards were helpful. Great round for our volunteers, and a
successful visit!
Ann Arbor Mott Hospital Visit-March 18, 2009
By Jeremy James-QFAD/HEROES Mott Hospital Chairperson
All I can say is WOW! We had a wonderful visit at Mott Children’s Hospital in
Ann Arbor, today. At 1:00 P.M., we had 17 volunteers in the lobby kicking off
our Queen for a Day/Heroes Party! Mrs. Lisa Munch, Child Life Director, was
generous to allow the group to take over three rooms and transform the floor!
Pink boas, tiaras and fireman hats were everywhere and we definitely created as
stir within Mott Hospital! In all, we visited approximately 35 children and
serviced 20 parents.
 We
had several children visit us in the craft/picture room and hang out with
several police officers from the Ann Arbor Police Department and University of
Michigan Public Safety Department. A special thanks goes out to Officer
Jennifer Sartori, AAPD, and her group of friends, Officers Mills, Lee, and
Chalogianis. Your enthusiasm was contagious! Veteran volunteers Loreen Couch
and Lori Faitel, as well as newcomer, Raquel Avery, made special visits with
dozens of children on the 6th Floor, 7th Floor and the Pediatric Intensive Care
Unit. An emotional job and I truly appreciate your courage!
Advisory Board member Ruth Williams was amazing at gathering a group of her
best students from Excel Academies of Cosmetology, Troy, and being the shoulder
of relief to several parents. Ruth and her talented gals offered facials,
manicures, pedicures and paraffin wax dips. Some parents had been there for
months and the grand gesture was appreciated by all. Thank you Roz, Lindsey,
Monica, Christina, Amy, Juliet and Sam!
Last, but definitely not least, were our volunteers from the Ann Arbor
Institute of Massage Therapy, Nicole and Linsey. They were the most popular
with the parents and had we not had police officers with us, they would have
been held hostage! Top notch, professional service and I truly hope you join us
again during future visits.
Kelly J. Price Memorial Bowling Party--March 14, 2009
By Esther Skiba, QFAD Metro Detroit Director
Early in the spring of 2008 I receive a call from a dear lady named Betty Gonko, from the Kelly J Price Memorial Fund Committee. She explained to me that the committee was formed after the death of Kelly Price, a friend and bowling team member, who died from cancer at a very early age. The committee decided to host a bowling party on the weekend closest to St. Patrick’s Day in memory of their friend and give the proceeds to a charity that helps children with cancer. Imagine my surprise when Betty told me that they had chosen Queen for a Day & Heroes for their 2009 bowling party.
A short time later QFAD/Heroes Advisory Board member, Debbie Hormel, and I met with the committee to go over plans for the event. What a lovely group of ladies! They explained the event and told us they would do EVRYTHING!!!
March 14, 2009, was the date. The day arrived with beautiful sunshine and upon arrival at Astro Lanes in Madison Heights; we found tables full of door prizes, raffle prizes. Green was the theme for this event. Bowlers arrived decked out in their finest St. Patrick’s Day garb and there was an air of excitement throughout the building.
Even with the tough economy the event was SOLD OUT! These wonderful ladies know how to throw a party. I know Kelly Price would be honored that they host this event in her honor.
I want to thank the committee, Betty Gonko, Betsy Mallaly, Kelly Merrick Lisa Onica, Pam Wiggins, Annie Miodonski, Miriam Thomas for choosing our program as the benefactor for the 9th annual Kelly J Price Memorial Party.
Jazz on the Vine Fundraiser—Friday, March 6, 2009
By Debbie Hormel & Catie Hormel, QFAD/Heroes Chairpersons, R.O. Beaumont
Queen For a Day/Heroes believes in supporting other local non-profits who also
assist children with cancer.  Last
night we had the privilege of volunteering our time at Jazz on the Vine, a
fundraiser at the Filmore Theater in Detroit. It was a spectacular event with a
big band, jazz singer Kimmie Horne, and a wonderful array of amazing food, hors
d’oeuvres and wines. The silent auction was a big hit with patrons, and the 2
baskets donated by our local QFAD/Heroes chapter made a great addition. The
proceeds from this event went to Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit, a local
non-profit who has worked with QFAD/Heroes on several events for our children
and teens. Bill Dearie, founder of this event, did an incredible job and we are
looking forward to working with him again.
Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Visit- March 4, 2009
By Debbie Hormel, R.O. Beaumont Hospital QFAD/Heroes Chairperson
Our visit to the Garden Room was a busy one with 4 girls and 1 boy. We had a
special guest, Kim Forbes, who brought her jewelry making supplies to help make
necklaces and bracelets for our princesses and heroes. Every child who came got
to personalize their pieces with letters spelling out their name with Kim's
help. For those who couldn't come and join us we packed goodie bags and made
sure to include a kit of beads and letters for them to create an awesome
necklace or bracelet in their room(s). We also took Polaroid pictures of our
kids wearing their crowns and boas for them to take home in the photo frames
that they decorated with foam shapes, letters, sparkles and jewels.
Officer Sherri Meisel joined us as a new volunteer, and after making several
room visits she sat down with a young hero and played several, very trying
games, of Connect Four. Well that little guy can go home and tell everyone he
was the winner!! It was a lot of fun to watch the laughter between them. Karen
Blaszek, and Catie Hormel also helped out with our 3 room visits to little
princesses. Thanks everyone for helping to make this such a special time for
our kids!
Children's Hospital Visit – March 3, 2009
By Nikki Follis-QFAD Children's Hospital of Michigan Coordinator
 We had a great visit at
Children's Hospital on Tuesday, March 3rd. We were honored to welcome back
Officer Wendy Flanagan from the Detroit Police Department and QFAD volunteer
Carie Deaton. We welcomed newcomer Barb Simms this time around too! We even
welcomed a few of Children's Hospitals own volunteers in training that day.
All of the volunteers worked together on crafts with the children as well as
assisting the girls with makeup and nail painting. We worked on picture frames,
door hangers, and rubber stamps in the craft area.
We had 9 children attend our function today and 3 room visits. It was a quiet
day in the 5th floor activity room, but we like to think that a quiet day in
the activity room means many healthy children spending time at home with their
families and at school with their friends.
This was an outstanding visit and it appeared that everyone enjoyed themselves.
Thank you to those who helped at this visit! Your effort is always sincerely
appreciated.
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-February 23, 2009
By Lauren Elizabeth-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
Two volunteers cancelled due to illness and one did not show. Another volunteer
had her mother there with her, who graciously stepped up to visit the rooms. In
total there were six volunteers, five of them new volunteers. For the first
room three of the volunteers shadowed me, and the second the remaining two.
From there we split into groups of two, and saw a total of 22 little patients.
When coming to Queen Emily Coleman’s room we realized that she had already
heard of the Gimme’ a Break in the Garden room and was there. We found her
participating in a facial, paraffin wax, and nails. She received the special
gift and was very gracious. There were plenty of little babies as well as older
children. All families were very happy to see us come through.
QFAD Private visit with Destiny, Jake and Valerie-February 17, 2009
By Jeremy James, Mott Hospital Chairperson
It was our honor to meet with Destiny, Jake and Valerie at Mott Hospital’s PICU
today. The first princess we visited was 8 year old Destiny, who is in recovery
mode from serious burns from a house-fire in November, of 2008. She was ALL
smiles as we decorated her with a bright neon-pink boa, crown and all sorts of
princess garb. She’s a very sweet young lady who loved the attention of being
the Queen for the Day!
Our second stop was with 4 year old Hero, Jake, who just underwent a liver
transplant. No one could tell he just underwent major surgery as he wore his
fireman hat and raced his cars around his bed. He loved the G.I. Joe figurine
and Hero toys and I’m sure he’ll cause havoc later that night with his glow in
the dark sword set!
Our last stop was with 4 year old Princess, Valerie, who had a host of medical
challenges. Her mother was very appreciative and complimented our program
immensely.
Inspired by Advisory Board member Dena Ramnick’s highly successful “Gimmie a
Break” program at Beaumont Hospital, we were fortunate to acquire two talented
volunteers from Excel Cosmetology School in Troy, Roselyn and Melanie, who
pampered Jake and Valerie’s moms with manicures, foot massage bathes and chair
massages. After spending months at the hospital, the small, yet grand gesture
from the Excel volunteers brought a new life to both moms.
Lastly, we were approached by Mott staff who requested the services of Roselyn
and Melanie, for a mother who didn’t want to leave the side of her son, who had
been critically injured in an accident. To our disbelief, the mother was also
recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and undergoing treatment. Roselyn set
up the foot massage bath and Melanie provided a chair massage, right at her
son’s bedside. They were joined by a sound therapy expert, who played a soft
melody with his guitar during the massage. It was an emotional moment and I
truly appreciate the strength of both Roselyn and Melanie for stepping up and
pulling through.
Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Visit- February 10 2009
By Debbie Hormel, R.O. Beaumont Hospital QFAD/Heroes Chairperson
We celebrated Valentines Day with 3 princesses and 1 hero by making Valentine
cards, Valentine door hangers, and decorating keychain holders with sparkles
and stickers QFAD/Heroes style! There were all sorts of pink, pink and pink,
floating around our 2 craft tables. One of our little princesses entertained us
by reciting some funny little poems she had made up while in the hospital. With
very little coaching, she created a beautiful memory book filled with her witty
poetry. We read stories, and also made up gift bags filled with make-up,
crafts, and books for 2 special guests, Emily and Maddy, who couldn’t come to
the Garden Room Tea Party.
Special thanks to the volunteers who helped make this a great Valentine Party:
Catie Hormel, Diane Bowles, and our newest volunteer Sean Ryan. Welcome Sean!
St. John Hospital Visit-January 13, 2009
By Jennifer Groomes-St. John Hospital Chairperson
 Our visit was at
St. John’s Hospital on Tuesday, January 13th. There were three volunteers total
– Beth Sills, Laura Allard and myself. Laura is a former Ms. Chesterfield and
she wore her sash and one of her pageant tiara’s.
We had eight girls and four boys total. Included in that number we had four
visit us in the playroom and do crafts and makeup. We did eight room visits and
at the end of the event, we walked around to the rooms with infants and
delivered stuffed animals and/or beanie babies to the little ones!
Our playroom guests ranged in age from 5 to 14 and our room visits ranged from
3 to 23. The event was a lot of fun and I’m not sure who enjoyed it more Laura
or the kids – we have her hooked!!
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-January 12, 2009
By Dena Raminick-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator and
QFAD/Heroes Detroit Founder
Tonight's Royal Tuck In was a full night - the floor was packed to capacity and
around 20 kids ages 2 through 19 enjoyed blankets, pillows, teddys, books, glow
bracelets, fuzzy tiaras and visits from our volunteers. Eight of us (five new
volunteers!) hit the Peds floor and NICU and enjoyed a wonderful night. Our SPA
was a hit as well, even though we did not provide massages this week. Around 20
women and teens enjoyed manis, paraffin dips and facials as well as
refreshments and a take-home goodie.
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