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b “ Providing patients and families with the
opportunity to play normalizes the hospital
”environment.
— , Child Life manager
ut its mission remains the same:
to brighten the days of children and fam- The feast of game options includes computers, and touch screens to make Ra-
ilies and to let children be children by pro- pool, air hockey and foosball. Four arcade dio Lollipop much easier. The kids love it.”
viding a place to hang out and play. games from the original Zone, which were
provided by The Auxiliary, are patient fa- Stay Tuned for Even More Fun
“The normalization of the hospital is vorites. Especially noteworthy is a wheel-
critical to the healing process,” says Mary chair-accessible ice-racing game that blows The new space has inspired new opportu-
Tietjens, Child Life manager. “Play is an cold wind in the driver’s face for maximum nities. An additional activity coordinator
essential therapeutic tool that supports the realism. A new Microsoft media wall and has been hired so the area can be open
healing environment and promotes pos- Surface Pro tablets donated by Microsoft a.m. to p.m. Monday and a.m. to p.m.
itive coping.” offer the latest gaming options. Tuesday through Saturday.
A large share of the funds for the ren- “This is such a great spot for fami- The hospital’s music therapist uses the
ovation was provided by Teammates for lies and children of all ages,” says Sharon studio to enhance treatment by exploring
Kids foundation, headed by entertainer Thompson, a long-time volunteer in the and creating music with children.
Garth Brooks. Zone who was involved in the renovation.
“Parents can’t believe how happy their chil- Also, a recently hired full-time media
New Day, New Options dren are here.” specialist is expanding capabilities of the
studio and exploring uses for the planned
By removing walls, the preteen and teen Radio Station Takes a Giant Leap closed-circuit television system, including
areas were combined into a single large l- programming featuring hospital patients.
shaped room, lined on two sides with huge The hospital’s in-house Kids’ Own Studio This will enable patients who cannot leave
windows overlooking the Texas Medical received a major renovation as well. The their rooms to share in the fun.
Center. Exposed air conditioning ducts; new space supports multiple programs with
modern lighting; and a sunny color scheme impressive high-tech equipment and com- The level of excitement is high, and
of orange, yellow, green and blue give the puters. Radio Lollipop continues to broad- volunteers and staff can’t help but sound
space a cheery, contemporary vibe. cast live on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs- enthusiastic about the possibilities.
day evenings, and expanded programming
A -foot counter bisects the area, do- utilizing the studio’s new capabilities is “This is such a great space that will
ing double duty as a counter for the ex - planned. have such an impact on our patients and
panded, modern kitchen and a surface for families,” Tietjens says. “We’re so grateful
crafts. The kitchen offers activities for pa- “The radio station has come out of the to Teammates for Kids, Microsoft and The
tients and families to learn more about dark ages,” says Debbie Prout, who has vol- Auxiliary for sharing our vision to make
healthy lifestyles while cooking with the unteered at the station since its early days. a difference in the lives of hospitalized
hospital’s chef. Square tables that seat four “Everything is digital, with the music on children.
can be grouped as needed.
