WRITERS Program Helps Hospitalized Children Stay Busy

BOSTON (CBS) — Kids who have to spend long days at the hospital can get bored easily, but the WRITERS program at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center is making all the difference for one local boy. 12-year-old Sam Galette of Dorchester has sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that causes recurrent episodes of pain, but Sam has had a particularly hard road. “Sam has been pretty sick,” says Dr. Cathy Rosenfield, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Floating Hospital and Sam’s doctor.  “Sam had several strokes this summer and had a head bleed.” The strokes have left Sam weak on one side and with some speech difficulties. He just underwent a stem cell transplant with the hope it will cure him of sickle cell.  All the days he’s spent at the hospital would make anyone stir crazy, but child life specialist Ginny Lewis has found a way to help Sam pass the time. Tariq Johnson completed a book through the WRITERS program before he passed away. (WBZ-TV) She was initially inspired three years ago by a young patient named Tariq Johnson, who had a terminal illness. “I approached him and I asked if he wanted to try writing a story with me or create a book and he said yes,” recalls Ginny. Tariq passed away two years ago at the age of 15, but before he did, he left behind a published book of fiction called “Agent Unlock.” Out of that, the WRITERS program was born. Sam Galette said he feels accomplished after publishing a book. (WBZ...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Healthwatch Local News Syndicated Local Dr. Mallika Marshall Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center Source Type: news