(music)
So Medical Day Treatment is a school for kids ages 7-21
who have a chronic illness, and frequently that chronic illness
has either impacted their ability to be successful at
school or to attend school. My name is Riley and I come here
because I have Dermatomyositis. It's a disease that affects my
skin and my muscles. I come here because I have Type I diabetes.
I'm 11 and I'm here because I have muscular dystrophy and
scoliosis. So we're a school-based treatment program
that includes three important areas of treatment. And that is
the medical support, the educational support, and then
the mental health support. I come here because of
eosinophilic esophagitis, which is a throat disease and
vomiting. I have a skin condition called
EB--Epidermolysis Bullosa. That's why we call it EB. With the skin
disease I have to wear these bandages to help heal. My name
is Miracle, I'm eight years old, and I come here because I have
cancer and I have a cold. And my heart. I have a special heart
transplant. MDT really matters because it's a really unique
program. These are kids that just can't settle in right now
for whatever reason, into a traditional school setting. And
the opportunity to go to school and stay up while we take care
of their medical needs, it's unlike anything else you've ever
seen. Every day these kids come in with all of their problems
and when you get here, you don't even know that. I get the
feeling that every day is a new day and a fresh start in that no
matter what we are facing, our kids are facing more and they
are still here every day ready and willing to learn. And to me,
they give me the greatest gift.
(music)
If there was no Medical
Day Treatment, I think that we would have kiddos who would
either be at home, not feeling that successful at school or
life because school is their job, or they'd be at school
feeling not as successful and able to manage their health. New
kids come in here, and they're a little worried about coming to
school. Some of them feel a little bit like an outcast at
their old school because they have something medical going on.
And when they come here, they realize that they're not alone,
and I love watching the kids be supportive of each other.
Medical Day Treatment is an important place because it lets
kids be kids.
(music)
I would say that a good day here
at Medical Day Treatment is when our kids get to leave our
program and are able and capable of going back to regular school;
that they get to succeed in a less restrictive environment
means a win-win for all of us.
(music)
I think it has changed
my life so much since I've come here. I love it a lot. I love
the teachers, I love the kids, I love the staff. And for me to be
a part of that, that is my gift that I've changed some kid's
life. These kids have impacted me more than I could ever
explain to anybody. My coming to work every day gives meaning to
my life. These kids, their sense of humor, their grace, their
humility, their normalcy, and their ability to manage these
difficult lives is always an inspiration. I like to ride
bikes with my friends and play games on anything. I like to
hang out with my friends, listening to music. I like to
dance. I like to do art, I like paint. I like to sing. I like to
draw. I like to help people a lot, so I volunteer as well, I'm
a patient. So one day I hope I can have a job as a nurse and
return all the love and the care for all the staff and people
here have helped me.
(music)
It's unbelievably important. In
fact, it's funny, I think if you look at all the great things
that Children's Hospital does, Medical Day might be one of
those crown jewels of Children's Hospital, and I think a lot of
people feel that way.
(music)