 May/Summer 2001 (XXXIX 3) |
he First-day School of Schuylkill Meeting (PA) visited Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on February 17 to learn about the Special Immunology Program for babies and children with AIDS, and to give a donation.
Since the summer of 2000, Schuylkill's First-day School children ages 4 to 12 had carefully considered their ideas about the need for care in today's world. After thinking about several worthy causes, they decided upon babies and children with AIDS because they have a potentially life-threatening disease and the students wanted to help insure them a long life by providing them with medical treatment. The students set their sights on raising $200.
The rest of that year they made their appeals at home, school, and at the Meeting, and brought in their own funds. They also made efforts to raise funds during special events at the meetinghouse. Their energy and purpose spread to the whole Meeting, and by the end of the year over $300 was raised, mainly from collection of change. The children donated $30 to another student who volunteers at an animal shelter, and the balance of $300 went to Children's Hospital's Special Immunology Program.
During their visit to the hospital, the students met with Jim Vagnoni, M.S.W., director of the Special Immunology Program, and learned about the immune system, HIV infections, and how the hospital helps children regardless of ability to pay for health services. They learned that one girl had come to the hospital gravely ill with AIDS because she had received no treatment, and soon would be discharged because treatment often improves the outcome especially in children.
The group visited the Connolly Center, a welcome center open 24 hours/day and 7 days/week, with respite, refreshments, and libraries for families and children. Computers and Internet connections are available. We were very impressed with the graciousness of the Center's design and staff who reach out to the children and their families to help them through a traumatic time in their lives.
The donation of the First-day School children will provide medicine to those who have no insurance, and will pay to celebrate the birthdays of the children who are ill with AIDS when there is no one to share that celebration except the good people of the Special Immunology Program. We were so grateful to have been able to contribute to the lives of children who are sometimes abandoned in their need because their parents also are ill with AIDS. Jim Vagnoni was enlightening, generous on behalf of Children's Hospital, and provided an impressive educational program.
Carol Armstrong
Schuylkill Meeting (PA)
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM