Fears extinquished at Doll Hospital

Seven-year-old Alden brought his stuffed reindeer to the Doll Hospital
on Thursday because Comet had a broken antler.

“His foot is even more broken than his antler,” Alden said after
surveying his x-ray. “It’s a good thing they have x-rays.”

Alden was one of about 650 children who participated in the Doll
Hospital program in the past two weeks.

The program, put on by Central Michigan Community Hospital, took
place in 13 area elementary schools starting on March 13 and concludes
today at Vowles Elementary, 1560 S. Watson Road.

CMCH has put on the Doll Hospital for more than 10 years to inform
children of what to expect if they come to the hospital, so they are
not scared their first time.

Farmington Hills senior Courtney Crites and Highland senior Scott
Martin were the Doll Hospital’s student project managers.

There also were five CMU student volunteers who served as doctors in
five stations: registration, blood pressure, heart beat, x-ray and
immunization.

Sammy, 7, said his cat Butterscotch had a fever, but felt better
after getting a shot.

Krissy Rose, a Highland senior, was the volunteer in charge of the
shot station.

“Some of them were really scared,” she said. “But I told them ‘if
your little stuffed animal could do it, you can do it too.’”

Children brought in dolls and stuffed animals with a variety of
ailments. While many suffered from broken arms and legs, Martin said
one child said his dog had leprosy.

“It’s nice to feel you’re making an impact,” Crites said.