My Hospital Visit
On Monday, August 20, 2007, after riding my Harley Davidson 5,671 miles, an average heat index of 98F. I arrived at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a young man named Nick, a St. Jude patient, his family and the St. Jude staff members, Amy and Lauren. After few photos with Nick, we walked to the Pavilion that honors the life of Danny Thomas and recognizes the history of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
There we looked at pictures of Danny Thomas, the Founder of St. Jude. Right after, we walked through the hospital the walls were filled with colors and paintings, kids were playing video games, some watching TV, a few kids running in the hallways. I had to ask Amy if I was inside the hospital and her reply was simply YES.
I was amazed how child and family friendly the hospital was! We walked through the hall way, we visited the chapel with three religion symbols which allows everyone to pray in one chapel. A few paces down the hall we stopped at the Legacy wall, first supporters of St. Jude are recognized. In the Danny Thomas Research Tower we walked under 81flags from different nations. The flags represent the nationality of the St. Jude staff. We then visited the cafeteria where all employees – doctors, researchers, nurses, janitors, and the fundraising staff – along with patients and their families dine in one area. There was no separation. I was amazed.
Later I visited the lab. I was taken to different rooms and all I saw a row of scientist in blue aprons (it looked like a picture from a sci-fi movie), looking into tiny microscopes looking for a cure. Then we went off to anther room where another team of scientists were doing research to determine the best medicine to give a patient for a particular diagnosis.
We drove less than 10 miles from the hospital to visit the Target House. This housing facility has 96 furnished apartments donated by the company Target. It provides full housing to families who have children who require a stay of six months or more for treatment. Transportation to the hospital from the Target House is provided at no cost to the families.
I was so inspired by my trip. I decided to put a fundraiser event together this year in New York City. I am excited to host this event, and am honored to be raising money to continue Danny’s dream that “No child should die in the dawn of life”. I look forward to you being there.
Beshara Charlie Nehme
There we looked at pictures of Danny Thomas, the Founder of St. Jude. Right after, we walked through the hospital the walls were filled with colors and paintings, kids were playing video games, some watching TV, a few kids running in the hallways. I had to ask Amy if I was inside the hospital and her reply was simply YES.
I was amazed how child and family friendly the hospital was! We walked through the hall way, we visited the chapel with three religion symbols which allows everyone to pray in one chapel. A few paces down the hall we stopped at the Legacy wall, first supporters of St. Jude are recognized. In the Danny Thomas Research Tower we walked under 81flags from different nations. The flags represent the nationality of the St. Jude staff. We then visited the cafeteria where all employees – doctors, researchers, nurses, janitors, and the fundraising staff – along with patients and their families dine in one area. There was no separation. I was amazed.
Later I visited the lab. I was taken to different rooms and all I saw a row of scientist in blue aprons (it looked like a picture from a sci-fi movie), looking into tiny microscopes looking for a cure. Then we went off to anther room where another team of scientists were doing research to determine the best medicine to give a patient for a particular diagnosis.
We drove less than 10 miles from the hospital to visit the Target House. This housing facility has 96 furnished apartments donated by the company Target. It provides full housing to families who have children who require a stay of six months or more for treatment. Transportation to the hospital from the Target House is provided at no cost to the families.
I was so inspired by my trip. I decided to put a fundraiser event together this year in New York City. I am excited to host this event, and am honored to be raising money to continue Danny’s dream that “No child should die in the dawn of life”. I look forward to you being there.
Beshara Charlie Nehme
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