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| Comments from Patients, Doctors, Nurses | ||||||||||||||||
| - About the Raggedy Ann & Andys. | ||||||||||||||||
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Comments from Patients: | |||||||||||||||
| “Raggedy Ann became a special part of the last month of my mother’s life which was spent on the sixth floor of Cottage Hospital. At a time when neither my family nor my sister’s family could be with my parents Raggedy Ann spent time with them both, a ministry I especially appreciate because I could not be there. I do not have the words to express what Raggedy Ann’s caring attention means to us.” - a daughter of a terminal cancer patient “This past February I was in the hospital - scared, lonely and very ill. An angel in a Raggedy Ann outfit came into my room and spent much time with me. She helped to quiet me down and to reassure me that I was going to be fine.” - a patient’s comment before surgery “During my hospitalization I was fortunate to have been visited by three Raggedy Anns, each of whom brought me great happiness, especially when I was in C.C.U. That I did very well in the hospital was as much due to the Raggedy visits as to the medical staff! It was a stressful time and the perfect time to be visited by a giant rag doll.” - a heart patient “I was afraid that I could be spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair. Raggedy Ann helped me go from being in a black, deep pit with no light, to finding a ray of hope and encouragement. Somehow I was able to cope. The unconditional love I received in my darkest hour, carried me through.” - a patient paralyzed in an auto accident “I really enjoyed the Raggedy Ann visiting me. I had no one else. If it were not for Raggedy Ann I would have had no one.” - a multiple sclerosis patient “If it wasn’t for Raggedy Ann I’d have no one to visit me. She makes me feel special.” - a stroke patient “Raggedy Ann is the only one who understands that when I die, I won’t leave you. She knows that love never dies. I’ll live in your heart forever.” - a lady with a fractured hip speaking to a family member “Raggedy Ann has the healing touch of Jesus, powered by the same force of love. I wish our novice priests could learn this way of healing with love.” - an elderly priest “My family left me here to die. They never visit me. No one does, except for Raggedy Ann. Her visits give me hope, because I know someone cares about me.” - an Alzheimer’s patient “Oh no honey, don’t wipe it off. This is my blessing for the day.” - a patient with lipstick on her cheek after a hug from Raggedy Ann (Patient’s names are withheld to respect privacy). |
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Comments from Physicians | ||||||||||||||
| “I ordered them (Raggedy Ann & Andy) for several of my patients this past year and they have raved about the program. I think it is a program that every hospital in the United States would be the better for.” Walter M. Lewis, M.D., F.A.C.P. “I continue to be impressed by the service that the Adventures in Caring Foundation provides to the patients requiring hospitalization and surgery or intensive medical care. At a time when technology seems to be the most visible aspect of medical care, your personal attention to the emotional needs of patients should not go unrecognized.” Joseph R. DiBartolomeo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Ear Diseases and Related Disorders “Raggedy Ann & Andy are fulfilling one precious, irreplaceable slice of this need (for tender loving care) in a well thought out, discrete, highly sensitive manner. The Raggedys provide an opportunity for some patients that no other person or program can fulfill. The Raggedys also imbue the professional staffs with some of the much needed love and satisfaction they need along the way.” John M. Ackerman, M.D. Psychiatry “By observing (Raggedy Ann) while visiting with desperately ill patients at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, it became abundantly clear to me that she has a thorough understanding of the special needs of critically ill patients. Through her listening skills, compassion, sensitivity and understanding of how sick people actually feel, Raggedy Ann perpetuates the flame of hope that is the necessary part of the healing process.” Michael B. Fisher, M.D. Nephrology “The response (from surgical residents) is universally positive. You have wisely conducted this program in a very intelligent, discreet and unobtrusive fashion that provides a personal touch for the patients when it is sometimes overlooked in the hurly-burly busy day activities on the part of the hospital staff.” George A. Higgins, M.D. Director of Surgical Education “I do love what you are doing and will pass the word. I am trying to teach hospitals how to be places of healing and you go on my list of things to do for the patients and staff.” Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. Author of “Love, Medicine & Miracles” |
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Comments from Directors of Nursing | ||||||||||||||
| “The one-on-one interaction acknowledges each resident as an individual, and promotes feelings of well-being. The residents look forward to the visits, and feel that someone has time to listen to them.” Deborah Etsell, R.N. Casa Dorinda SNF “The majority of our residents have very few visitors, and appreciate any and all personal attention. Many are without family members in the immediate area; others have no personal contacts. So personal contact is most valuable. It helps resident morale and elevates their mood.” Brenda Tames, R.N. Beverly Manor Convalescent Hospital “We have many patients who have few or no visitors. They all need someone to talk to. The greatest benefit Raggedy Ann brings to patients is an outlet for their emotions, and knowing that someone cares.” Debbie Mockler-Young, R.N. Marian Extended Care “Residents need someone who will come in and be a friend to them. Reading, listening and just being there. Residents appreciate knowing that someone cares enough to visit; to sit and talk with them no matter what their disability. Keep doing this wonderful service!” Lois Goldsworthy, R.N. Samarkand Health Facility |
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Comments from Nurses | ||||||||||||||
| “The concept is great—mostly because the Raggedy Anns are so unhurried, and the patients appreciate that.” Orthopedics “A lot of times we don’t have time to talk with the patients and sometimes they become demanding and difficult because they need the extra attention that we can’t give them. The Raggedys really help those people, giving them someone non-threatening to talk to.” Post-Op. Surgical “I think it’s great that you automatically visit the unit because when we are busy we may not think to call you - because we get really busy at times. Just keep on doing what you are doing - you’re terrific!” Labor & Delivery “More and more of our patients are receiving care in very a condensed and intense manner. . . just because technology has made it possible for their hospitalization (time) to be decreased does not mean that their human needs for support and caring are commensurately decreased.” Richard Brock, R.N. Director of Patient Care Services |
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Comments from Administrators |
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| “The Adventures in Caring Foundation’s programs have provided some of the most heartwarming moments of my experience as a retirement community administrator.” Ken R. Compton, General Manager Villa Marin “When Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy walk into this facility my residents beam with joy. Their facial expressions become softer, they give and receive hugs, and during the time of the visit they are transported to a very caring, nurturing world which they all need so very much. This is a work of love of the highest caliber, and as such it deserves our full support.” Daniel Lopez, M.Ed., M.A., Administrator, Beverly Manor Convalescent Hospital “As a CEO, I especially appreciate the goodwill the program continually generates in the Santa Barbara community. The Raggedy Ann & Andy program has proven to be a valuable asset: showing the community, in a highly visible way, that we care. The return on our investment in this program has been repaid many times.” James L. Ash, President and CEO Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital |
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Comments from Activity Directors |
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“When our residents receive a visit from Raggedy Ann, amazing changes take place. Residents who are lethargic perk up and smile. Those who are withdrawn decide to go for a walk with Raggedy Ann. Residents who are bedridden feel loved and cared for by the remarkable skills of active listening, the smiles and personal attention that Raggedys give so freely.” Suzanne Hollrah Solvang Lutheran Home “The love and understanding that you have shared, your hellos, your cheerful smiles and your touch warms us all. Just holding our hand, a kiss and a hug are the most giving gifts of all.” Holly Hoffman Sherman Oaks Convalescent Hospital “We have several patients who respond to Raggedy Ann who do not usually respond to anyone else! Family members have stopped by my office to compliment your program and to let us know how much it means to them that Raggedy Ann is so patient and kind to their loved ones.” Rosemarie Race-Platt Patterson Gardens Convalescent Center “I have observed consistency and faithfulness in your love to our residents. In particular I have seen you bring out some of the most joyful and pleasant responses from our confused residents. From the time you started your visits in November 1987, our Health Center staff and residents have grown to appreciate the quality time you give to help make these moments more meaningful.” Myron Snider Valle Verde Health Center “Our residents have benefited from your trained volunteers who provide one to one interaction, a caring and listening ear, and an outlet for expression. Raggedy Ann & Andy bring smiles and memories, and give residents a freedom to express themselves.” Ann Ribbens Beverly La Cumbre Convalescent Hospital |
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Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy are trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc. and are used by Adventures in Caring with permission. Licensed by United Media.
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