We had a pediatric patient who was having a hard time coping and was very frustrated with being in the hospital during Christmas time. This patient is a frequent flyer here at UMC and her frustrations have been building up. When the patient expressed that the family's Christmas tree had been ruined and they couldn't get a new one, McKenzie got an idea.
She asked the Peds manager and other appropriate people if it would be okay to bring a small tree into her room and was given approval.
The next day on McKenzie's day off she delivered a 4-foot tree to the patient's room. She brought ornaments and a bow for the top and let the patient decorate the tree alongside her can and child life specialist.
McKenzie demonstrates compassion and how much we can make a difference in the life of a child by creating special moments and spreading love.