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.
