Family of Former Patient Gives Back to LLUCH After 18 Years

Christmas may be more than two weeks away but the patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) are already getting a feel for the holidays. Mikey’s Fund For Kids founder, Tina Carriera and others who helped raise funds, delivered a slew of gifts to the hospital on Dec. 1. “We want to make sure the kids at the hospital have a memorable holiday,” said Carriera. “We just hope the toys, games and clothes we donate will make a child’s day a little brighter.” Mikey's Fund for Kids was established in 1995 in honor of Carriera’s nephew, Michael "Mikey" Dale Harrison, who lost his fight to cancer in 1995 when he was just 8 years old. The group raises funds throughout the year but it’s the annual Motorcycle Toy Run that is most successful. On Sept. 28, the group hosted its 3rd Annual Motorcycle Run in Temecula, which welcomed over 100 motorcycle riders and participants. “It was a huge success,” Carriera said. The group raised over $2,000, surpassing the total from years past. “We are so grateful to all the motorcycle clubs and groups that sent representatives to attend the annual toy ride,” Carreira said. “We could not have been a success without all of them.” Funds raised by the group go toward replenishing the “treasure boxes” and playroom toys at LLUCH. Kids on the various units at the hospital get to choose a toy from the treasure box when they reach a milestone or overcome a challenge during their course of treatment. “Something as simple as getting a shot without crying to something as serious as finishing a round of chemotherapy will earn a child a pull from the treasure box,” said James Ball, Child Life specialist at LLUCH. “It encourages kids who may be having a hard time getting through something. It allows others to see that something was difficult for them and in return can build their self-esteem and morale." Mikey’s parents, Mike and Linda Harrison, started the treasure box while Mikey was a patient on the oncology unit. At the time, it only existed on that unit but has since expanded to every unit at the hospital and includes items such as small toys, cars, dolls and arts and craft toys. In addition to bringing toys, Mikey’s Fund also provided gas gift cards that will be given to those patient families in need. “Many patient families aren’t local, so driving to and from the hospital can be a hardship,” Ball said. "It’s our job not just to make the kids comfortable but we want the parents to feel at ease as well." Ball emphasized how important toy donations are to the patients at the hospital, however, not all toys can be accepted. “We can only accept new toys in the original packaging and we can’t accept stuffed animals,” he said. To make it easier for any individual or group to donate to the hospital, LLUCH Child Life Services has created an Amazon wish list online that can be found by searching “Loma Linda Child Life” or by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1ZONWGO6OHNAF. There is a general list as well as separate lists for the individual units.