For employees of children's hospital, holiday season brings cheer, challenges

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For employees of children's hospital, holiday season brings cheer, challenges

Nancy Hoffmann and Robyn Magnuson don't mind when they have to work on Christmas Day.

After a combined 54 years as labor and delivery nurses at Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, the pair said they've grown to cherish helping expectant mothers and their families receive the ultimate Christmas gift.

"I did a delivery a few years ago, and it was a twin delivery on Christmas Day," said Hoffmann of Arlington Heights. "I put both the babies in the mom's arms, and she was singing 'Jingle Bells' with those twins. It was so precious."

For most employees of the Park Ridge hospital, working on holidays comes with the territory. Though away from families and faced with high-stress situations, they strive to create a festive atmosphere through shared holiday meals and traditions.

On Christmas Day, newborn babies are handed to their mothers wrapped in little red stockings. Some get names like Noel, Joy, Holly and Nichole. Each baby gets a crocheted, red and green hat-a small token that Magnuson of Park Ridge said brings a touch of the holidays to the often-overwhelming experience of childbirth.

"You have to make it special, because you're being a part of their day-the best day in their life," Magnuson said.

Anne Boubouleix, a 10-year emergency room nurse and mother of three boys, said she gains comfort through the camaraderie shared with her co-workers-known as her "other family."

"In the ER, we have very concentrated emotions and drama all around us, so you've got to lean on your team," said Boubouleix of Arlington Heights. "And no matter what happens, you have to be strong for [the patients], and strong for yourself."

Boubouleix recalled a woman whose child died on one especially busy Christmas Eve night. She said it's impossible not to be affected by such experiences.

"Every year at Christmas I think about that, because I know that it was a very hard day," she said. "That day is earmarked for the rest of their lives."

The best medicine

Santa stopped by the Lutheran General Children's Hospital Dec. 18 to visit rooms, take a photo with each child and offer a gift of a brown Teddy bear with a sweater that reads "I Am Loved."

The man behind the white beard and bright red suit was Mark Brant of Naperville, who's voluntarily acted as Santa for more than 12 years through the Illinois non-profit, Santa's Gift.

The organization had 13 Santas who visited more than 4,500 children this year at 28 hospitals in eight states.

Brant said personally he'd visit about 450 children this holiday season at Chicago-area hospitals. Most come away with a smile, some laughs and a big Santa hug, which is sometimes the "best medicine," he said.

"I enjoy doing it for the reactions of the kids," Brant said. "You truly come in to give of yourself for the kids and give them a moment of respite. Nobody really wants to be in the hospital, especially during the holidays."

Though over the years he's visited thousands of kids, Brant said he remains amazed every year to see the "uplifting power of Santa."

"Regardless of whether they're Jewish, Muslim, Christian or non-believing, everyone enjoys seeing Santa," he said. "It's good to see that people are open to the positive, good spirit of the holidays, and you end up coming away with so much more of what the kids give you."

Brant said one of his most memorable moments was when he visited a 20-year-old named Bradley who had been diagnosed as a baby with spinal meningitis.

"He survived for 20 years," Brant said. "The parents are going to bed every single night not knowing, when they wake up, if their son is going to be there. And when I got there last year, he was close to the end of his life."

As he entered the hospital room as Santa, the mother was sitting in the bed, cradling her son in her arms, Brant said.

"The father looks over and he's got this big smile on his face, and says 'Santa come on in! We want a family picture with Santa!' Brant said. "To bring them that joy at that difficult time in their lives-it was such a powerful moment."

Several other organizations have pitched in this year, such as the Niles and Maine Township fire departments and the U.S. Marines, which all donated toys for hospitalized children, said Linda Bensing, a child life specialist who's worked 31 years at Lutheran General.

Bensing said the work of child life specialists, who help children and families manage stress and understand medical procedures, is especially important during the holidays.

"We want them to have real, positive memories of being in the hospital and give them some joy during the holiday season," she said.

Some parents who had children in the hospital have come back to volunteer and help out during the holidays, Bensing said.

"Once you come here, and go see the joy that Christmas brings to these kids and the sincere appreciation from the parents, it truly is inspirational," Bensing said. "When you see the parents overwhelmed by the generosity and the kindness, as a staff person, there's nothing that beats that.

"It really brings us joy, too."

-Story and photos by Jason Lee, Triblocal.com reporter