Mott's Children's Hospital

by: Tiernan

In 1965, C.S Mott's Children's Hospital opened and is among the nation's leading pediatric health care centers. The staff at Mott’s has dedicated their time and energy to research and giving children medical attention that is needed.  On December 1st, members of the Great Lakes Base and Great Lakes Garrison had the pleasure of spending the day with children staying at Mott's, as well as their families.  It was a humbling experience that left smiles on both their faces as well as ours.  It was a time for the kids and their families to relax and have fun.

photo courtesy of Blasty

As we all gathered in a conference room inside the Family center to change, staff members gave us details and our “mission” for the day.  It was a day for the Rebels and the Empire to call a “cease-fire” for the better of citizens at the hospital.  The “mission” was to walk around and meet with as many children and their families as possible, say hi to them, sign pictures and hand out books to them.  We were led to the 12th floor of Mott's with nurses, doctors and visitors stopping us to take pictures -- or to just have a look.  When the troop reached a room that was setup to host a party for the kids and their family, we were all greeted with an applause and excitement!  Children lined up with their mother, father, siblings and/or nurse, we greeted them with smiles on our faces, happiness in our hearts and for some -- if not all -- the yearning to do more than give an autograph and shake hands.

After spending some time with those who were able to leave their rooms for a larger gathering, our team split off into groups -- each taking a different floor, with a specific Ward specifically designed to suit the needs of the patients.  Two of the floors we visited were the Cancer Ward and the Cardiac Ward.  While both squads took extra care not to be too loud or overcrowd a patient’s rooms -- while still trying to visit as many rooms as possible, the squad visiting the Cancer Ward made a special visit to one patient who really loved Star Wars!  Even as tired as he was, the young boy managed to smile, say hi and tell us how big a fan he was.  It turned out to be so much more than a "Hi, I'm a Jedi." or "Hi, I'm a Stormtrooper."  After visiting a few rooms in the Cancer Ward, there was one patient who was overly excited and thrilled to see a Jedi, Storm trooper and R2D2.  Skittish and unsure at first, he warmed up to the volunteers and followed them around floor, going from room to room with the group.  In between visits, the Trooper and Jedi took pictures with him and his mom, and even went as far to let him play with a light saber hilt.  With a smile on his face, laughter and full of energy, he raced the R2 unit down the hall and had as much fun as possible.

On all floors that we visited, Mott's staff, parents, visitors and even some children stopped to have their pictures taken with Troopers, Jedi and R2.  As the day came to an end, the last of the pictures were taken and we all ended back in the Family Center.  But as troopers marched in from their final rounds, their were a few more children in the center playing, with smiles on their faces and happy to see "The Star Wars Guys" as we refer to ourselves at times.  They were handed an activity book just like every other kid there.  Most gathered around to play with the two children for the last few minutes left before it was time to change and leave.  

This event was an honoring and humbling event with many great moments that left the children and their families of Mott's along with doctors and nurses smiling and filled with joy and fun even if it was just for a few hours and a small break from reality.  Even though members of the GLB and GLG left wanting to do more for these people, we gave them a small break from life.  Just moments for them to forget about what was happening, to play and have fun or talk for a short time was our gift to them.  We reached out to these people and made a small difference, which is what matters!  It was a moment for us to look back on proudly and inspire us to want to do even more next time. Even though we gave the children a moment of fun and games for their joy, it was them who gave us so much more and touched our hearts.