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Celine Thum, MD at Maimonides Medical Center here! I’d like to tell you a story about an experience that has stuck with me forever…

My first patient encounter was not in medical school. It was during college, when I was required to play violin for hospitalized children as part of a course called “Music as Medicine.” I would play Disney songs on the pediatric unit every week. Many of the children were extremely ill and had been there for weeks. Throughout their day, they are told what is wrong, given medicines, and berated with tests. My visits served as a distraction from their ailments. My music provided them with familiarity that extended beyond hospital walls.

I will never forget the joy that children displayed as I played “Happy Birthday” or holiday tunes during special occasions. Some of them were without family members and felt forgotten. I felt honored and blessed that I could improve the quality of life for so many children who would otherwise have had yet another day of wishing and waiting.

While my occupation now is devoted to cure and palliation, I still advocate strongly for treating the human spirit. I urge you to take a look at a wonderful charity called “The Holiday Heroes Foundation” founded by two Chicagoan sisters who experienced long-term hospitalizations for cystic fibrosis.  The charity recruits volunteers (some of them celebrities) to help hospitalized children celebrate otherwise forgotten birthdays or holidays with visits, activities, and gifts.

The foundation is hosting a fundraiser on June 29th that will feature celebrities, food, drinks, dancing, and several auctions! The Holiday Heroes Foundation wants you to come out and support their great mission to bring holiday celebrations and birthday parties to long-term hospitalized children and their families. Join more than 250 of Chicago’s most “networked” business leaders, generous sponsors, and sports celebrities– such asDesmond Clark, Fergie Jenkins, Revie Sorey and more– in support of the Holiday Heroes Foundation.

Then join us at our after-party with Celebrity Guest Bartender & Chicago Cub Fergie Jenkins hosted at Quay!

If you want to learn more or plan on attending- click here 

–Celine Thum

11 Responses

  1. Aruba

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