On Friday, December 3, a certain philanthropic reptile arrived at Lakeland Regional Medical Center bearing gifts. It was none other than the Geico Gecko who arrived with a $10,000 donation to be used to further enhance LRMC’s Child Life program.
The Child Life Program is essential for patients like Caleb Coffee, a nine-year-old with an immune deficiency who receives special treatments at LRMC’s pediatric unit every three weeks. The treatments can often be intimidating, but because of the Child Life Program, his mother says his mind is on other things. “Instead of thinking about an IV he is about to receive, he is looking forward to fun activities,” said Shawnessy Coffee.
Christie Schwichtenberg, BS, certified child life specialist at LRMC, says without Geico’s donations over the past eight years, the program would not exist. “This money has given us the opportunity to acquire the necessary tools to make this program effective for our patients. We are extremely appreciative of Geico’s generosity.”
During a presentation on Friday, George W. Rogers, Geico’s regional vice president said this donation means a great deal to his organization as well.
“This hospital, especially the pediatric department, has touched the lives of many employees at Geico. Some of our employees were born here and others have brought their children here when they were sick,” said Rogers. “We always try to give back to the community and by giving toward this program, we know our money will be used in a meaningful way.”
Although the Child Life Program began at LRMC more than 20 years ago, it is still not commonplace for a non-children’s hospital to offer this type of specialized care. “At Lakeland Regional, it is considered a necessary part of health care. Children are not just small adults, and when they are in the hospital, especially for an extended period of time, it’s important they continue to reach their milestones,” said Schwichtenberg.
In addition to helping pediatric patients continue to flourish, LRMC’s staff has grown to depend on Schwichtenberg’s ability to help calm fears and ease anxiety when a patient is set to endure a procedure. Although Schwichtenberg does not have the ability to take the pain away, she is specially trained to answer children’s questions in a way that is understandable to them – often referring to senses, such as: taste, touch, sound and smell.
For more information about LRMC’s pediatric and child life services, go to www.LRMC.com. To learn more about giving to LRMC, contact the Foundation Office at 863-687-1296 or go to www.lrmcfoundation.com.
Photo Caption: The Geico Gecko, along with Geico Regional Vice President George W. Rogers (far right), presents a $10,000 donation check to LRMC’s pediatric “Child Life” program.