Charity Brings Pediatric Patients Day of Fun

LOMA LINDA>> Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital were treated to a magical afternoon Thursday, Sept. 15. Merlin’s Magic Wand, a worldwide charity for children that arranges fun-filled days for children in need, collaborated with LEGOLAND California Resort to bring the magic to LLUCH. A team of four arrived at the hospital with LEGO models in hand to brighten the day for numerous patients along with their siblings and parents. Children of all ages were in attendance to meet Master Model Builder Bill Gowdy and the rest of the team. A variety of LEGOs were provided for the children to build with as Gowdy and the rest of the team offered guidance. They were able to construct a variety of creations ranging from monkeys and dragons to whatever they imagined. “I enjoy doing this type of event because of the kids,” Gowdy said. “So many of them are going through things that you wouldn’t wish on anyone, and this type of setting gives them something to focus on other than what they are going through daily.” He added that the greatest result for him is to see the excitement when a kid has that ah-ha moment and says, “I finished my monkey!” Gowdy shared some LEGO creations including a small replica of the new Loma Linda University Health hospital complex that is currently under construction. Piper Samra, 6, of Yucaipa, said she loved playing with all the LEGOs and master creations that were on display. Her mom, Jessica, said even though she had only been in the hospital for a couple of days, it was nice to get her out of her room. Additional LEGO sets were pre-packaged for each child so even patients who could not leave their rooms were still able to enjoy the activity at their bedside. While this is the first event that Merlin’s Magic Wand and LEGOLAND California have held at the hospital, they have collaborated in the past to provide park tickets to patients and their families who meet certain criteria. Kelly Jackson, director of strategic alliances of Loma Linda University Health, helped coordinate this event and shared her insight behind the value of collaboration. “Merlin’s Magic Wand and LEGOLAND California are passionate about providing special and unique experiences for children and their families," she said. "Loma Linda University Health is incredibly grateful to have partnered with these new community partners to bring smiles to our patients through meeting and playing with LEGOLAND Master Model Builders.”