Golisano Children's Hospital of Rochester

Today I kicked off my tour of the Upstate New York Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with a visit to the Golisano Children's Hospital of Rochester, my hometown hospital! This is the first of four Children's Miracle Network Hospital visits I am making this week in Upstate New York.

Betsy, Director of Development for CMN at this location, started my visit with a trip to the playroom. This former outdoor play deck had since been turned to a multi-season room, with glass paneling across the ceiling that allowed the room to soak in natural sunlight. Sliding glass doors led to the open-air half of the deck where kids could throw basketballs and hang out at picnic tables to enjoy the summer breeze. Several young patients were busy coloring. I joined in, snipping out pictures from magazines to collage together. Besides the craft supplies, the room was filled with books, games, and toys of all types.

Oh, and dogs! Riley the Therapy Dog came by to say hello to me and the patients! With so many wonderful things going on, it was hard to remember that we were still at a hospital!

We were met by Child Life Specialist Rachel and after crafts were done she took me to the other floors to surprise patients in their rooms. With each room I stopped at, staff checked to see if the patients wanted any games, snacks, or company from some of their volunteers. One patient updated Rachel on a trivia war he was having with one of the nurses. The staff was outstanding, going out of their way to make sure each patient was busy with something they loved. So personal, so fun!

Ok, here is the kicker...Tom Golisano just donated another $20 million toward the construction of a new building for the children's hospital!! The new facility will expand on the already impressive services and treatments available...what an exciting venture, and such a blessing for the Rochester community!

Thank you to Betsy, Rachel, the incredible staff, and all of my new friends for letting me come in to say hello!! I can't wait to come back soon!

You can help me support this hospital. Help me raise $1000 for Children's Miracle Network to benefit their New York State hospitals, just like this one. Learn how here!