Along with honoring so many courageous kids, we also have the special opportunity to recognize some amazing people in our hospitals. Doctors, nurses and child life specialists work so hard to ensure our kids gets the best treatment with medicine, love, laughter and lots of care. This week, we are so excited to introduce Team NEGU to Andie, Child Life Specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego!
Andie was nominated as a NEGU Child Life Specialist by one of her biggest fans, Kaelyn! Andie has been an integral part of Kaelyn’s treatment since she was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Kaelyn’s mom tells us, “through Kaelyn’s treatment and now post treatment care, Andie always does whatever is in her power to be there to support Kaelyn through everything (central line placement and removal, dressing changes, needle pokes, scary conversations, etc.). She always knows just the right way to communicate with Kaelyn so she feels safe, comfortable, powerful and courageous. No matter how challenging the task, Andie always ensures that she lets Kaelyn know just how great she did, how brave she is and how proud she is of her. Kaelyn and Andie have a very special bond and Kaelyn trusted Andie from their first encounter because Andie is so respectful and considerate of Kaelyns feelings. I, as Kaelyn’s mother, believe wholeheartedly that Andie was a difference maker in Kaelyn’s treatment! We love her and are forever grateful for all she does and continues to do”
Kaelyn’s mom shares with us that a special moment for Kaelyn and Andie was when Kaelyn finished her first strand of courage beads. With all that Andie did to help Kaelyn through her treatments, Kaelyn chose to add Andie’s name to her courageously earned strand of beads.
Andie, thank you, so much for all that you do to support our kids. The impact you make in their lives is unmeasurable. You inspire so many to Never Ever Give Up and we NEGU for. Kaelyn and her family would like you to know, “Andie, you are truly ONE OF A KIND! We love you!!”
If you would like to visit Kaelyn and send her lots of NEGU notes, you can visit her at https://www.teamkaelyn.com/ and her Caringbridge page. Kaelyn,we NEGU for you!