Magic of PCH

The magic of

I just have to say Phoenix Children’s Hospital and all of its providers and staff are absolutely amazing. Every single one of them is there out of love and care for these children. They have done everything in their power to make often scary experiences these children go through and the environment it happens in to be fun, lighthearted, and even magical.

I know that sounds crazy. Magical? A hospital experience? Yes – PCH creates a magical environment for these kids and makes them feel like they are on an adventure. As a result it softens the emotions of everyone involved and helps parents like us to know that our child is in the absolute best hands – because not only are they one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country but also because you can see they really care. It’s such a sweet blessing to see your child smile (and not cringing) when he finds out he is going back to his “hopistal”.

We drive down the road and MJ will stretch his neck to catch a glimpse and as soon as it is within sight he gets a smile: “There it is! My hopistal – the one with the hand on it!”. It’s as if he feels he is going off to a far magical place. 

Colored floor lighs in Atrium

Atrium of main tower at PCH

Walking in to the building the lobby is big, and bright – full of natural light coming from amazing windows with sparkle everywhere. Sparkle and colored lights in the floor that change as you walk by. Fun colors on every wall. It’s hard to feel you are even at a hospital because you are charmed by your child’s amazement at all of sparkle and surprises around each corner: wagons, brightly colored furniture, bright and textured walls – some with lights, coloring pages and crayons, Disney Movies. There is even a sparkle in those that greet you when you come in. That’s an odd description I know –what do I mean? I am talking no matter what role they fill at PCH – all have a genuine love, care and respect for your child and the reason they are there.

MJ getting weighed/measured.

They talk to your child and make them a part of the experience – not pretending like they are not there or talking over their head. “Hi MJ? How are you today? How old are you? You look so tall.” Your child is the star of the show – the absolute #1 priority. The other thing I love about PCH providers? The parents are just as much a part of the “team” as all of the professionals. Parents get a say in how things are done, when things are done, and get to be involved in things that are done. They ask and listen to what you have to say and do whatever they can to make special accommodations. They know that they have the medical expertise – but only you as a parent have the “MJ” expertise. We are all there for the same reason, and all have the same priority and they make you a partner in the process.

MJ listening to daddy's heart

MJ on the PCH squishy
tiles summer 2012

Does it make the road ahead of MJ’s brain surgery any less scary? Not necessarily. But it does make things a little more manageable and gives you a confidence that you couldn’t have a better team to handle such a scary situation for such a precious package.

MJ is a smart cookie. He knows what doctors are for and deep down he knows he is sick and needs help. But something about the sight of that hand with the heart on the building and the way he knows he will be treated in there makes everything okay. Even he knows God has put him in good hands.

As a former PCH patient almost exactly 23 years ago I know God is in total control and has us right where we are supposed to be. Thank you Lord for the work you do through Phoenix Children's Hospital.