By Sophie Sokolik
Through being a volunteer, I learned how “play” can completely transform a kid's life. The opportunity to just be a kid and not have to worry about treatments or pain can change a kid's outlook on their medical journey. These kids are missing a vital time in their lives, not being able to play on a playground or socialize with others, so as a volunteer I strive to bring back those missing moments of childhood. I want to tell you about a patient, we will call him Tommy (his real name cannot be shared due to HIPPA). The first time I met Tommy he said no words, not one. He hid under the blankets of his bed while I entertained him by playing Xbox. Tommy stayed at Shands for two months and was recently discharged. That last visit with him, I never would have imagined it was the same kid as before. Now Tommy is running all over the room, making a bowling game out of Mario Kart figures and telling me that I'm not good at Connect Four. But that just shows the resilience of these kids and how expressing themselves makes the hospital a little better. If there is one thing I have learned from Tommy and the other kids at the hospital is that life is too short to let your life be taken over by illness. These kids showed me how to bring light into all the dark moments. By the end of Tommy’s hospital stay, you never would have known he was a kid with cancer. As much as I have impacted these kids' lives, they have changed mine even more. Suddenly the pre-med scaries don't seem so scary because one day I get to be the doctor that helps these patients get better. For now, I have learned that I can find strength within me, that focusing on the happy moments can make any day better. When I think of Footprints, I am overwhelmed by the emotions that come to mind. I am honored to get to volunteer on these amazing units. I am thankful for everything the patients in the hospital have taught me. I have a sense of pride that I am lucky enough to be a member of the Footprints family. I am grateful to get to know all the inspiring members of this organization and call them my friends. Finally, I am so excited to see how Footprints can inspire me even more in my last year at UF.
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