The Pet Room in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital's paediatric ward is seen in this undated photo. The woman behind the idea is now focusing on getting another room done with a superhero theme.--Submitted Photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Local Journalism Initiative
Since many people already have their capes and masks picked out for Halloween, the timing is perfect to help kids feel secure during hospital stays with a superhero-themed room.
Kristina Hyde, a volunteer with the Medicine Hat Health Foundation, has previously gotten a pet-themed room in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital’s Paediatric Ward. She says the space can help kids feel safe while they’re receiving treatment, as well as encourage them to engage in creative play, which can be therapeutic.
The goal, eventually, is to have every room on the ward be themed in some way, but for now she thinks superheroes are a perfect fit.
“Superheroes symbolize strength and courage, and they can overcome any challenge,” said Hyde. “So it’s kind of like a powerful message to send to children that they can do the same. They might be sick right now, but they have the power to get better. It helps them be brave.”
Those interested are asked to submit a picture of a superhero, be it themselves in costume, a pet, or something they drew to info@ourhealthfoundation.ca, alongside a $100 donation to the Health Foundation to help make the room possible.
The project began over the summer, and has seen slow but steady progress. Hyde is hopeful that with the Halloween season, the pace may pick up, as people have their costumes already.
“That $100 guarantees that their picture is forever going to be on the wall in that room. Kids will get inspiration from it. Maybe if it’s a humorous photo, if it’s like a pet dressed up, they’ll be laughing at it, too,” said Hyde.
As the project is through the Health Foundation, those who donate will also get a tax receipt.
