Brighter Days During Hospital Stays
Many studies show that physical health can be greatly affected by mental well-being, and that when the mind is stimulated and engaged, the body can respond in positive ways. Through a new partnership, Carly’s Club and the Mikey’s Way Foundation are putting this theory into practice.
Roswell Park and Carly’s Club recently teamed up with the Mikey’s Way Foundation to help bring young cancer patients the foundation’s vision of connecting and enriching the lives of children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illness.
The Mikey’s Way Foundation helps children cope with the isolation, boredom and fear associated with life-threatening illnesses by providing and distributing interactive games and improving the entertainment facilities of hospitals.
Mikey’s Way was named for its founder, Michael “Mikey” Friedman. In March 2004, just after his 15th birthday, Mikey was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. During his time in the hospital, he took his mind off the monotony and discomfort of treatment by watching DVDs and playing handheld video games.
When Mikey was offered one wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he decided he wanted to use his wish to help other kids who were less fortunate than he was. Realizing many families were unable to afford the DVD players and video game systems that served him so well during his own treatment, Mikey used his wish to start the Mikey’s Way Foundation and give other kids electronics to entertain them during treatment. Mikey lost his battle with cancer in 2008, but his legacy of generosity and compassion continues through his foundation’s work.
On designated “Mikey’s Way Days,” the Mikey’s Way Connection Cart circles the pediatric unit at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and gives away electronics to each patient, allowing them to choose the diversion they feel will work best for them.
“We are not the pill for a cure,” said Les Friedman, Mikey’s dad and President and CEO of Mikey’s Way. “We are a blanket for their comfort.”
To find out more about how Carly’s Club works with organizations like Mikey’s Way to support young people with cancer, visit www.CarlysClub.org.