Sharing a century of caring
POSTED: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Patients are sharing heartwarming stories, tales that put a human face on the impact that Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children has had on the community, to celebrate the center's golden anniversary.
The Kapiolani Story Project was established in honor of the hospital's centennial of pediatric care. The Web site posts memories and reflections from families that have been touched by Kapiolani and its predecessor, Kauikeolani Children's Hospital's services. One patient shared his story of surviving his premature birth at less than 2 pounds. Another shared the center's role in his battle with leukemia.
| ”;100 years. Over 1 Million Lives: A Century of Care at Hawaii's Children's Hospital”;
Airs at 7 p.m. tomorrow on KGMB, KITV, KHNL and KFVE. KHON-2 will rebroadcast the special at 9 p.m.
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“;Everywhere I go, I hear stories from people,”; said Martha Smith, chief operating officer at the center. “;We decided to gather all these stories for historical archives. A hundred years from now, people will have something to look at ... stories to read.”;
| KAPIOLANI CENTENNIAL EVENTS
Thursday and Friday
» Kapiolani Radiothon for KIDS!: KSSK radio will broadcast live from the center from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. to benefit Kapiolani Children's Miracle Network. All donations to the radiothon will stay in Hawaii to benefit critically ill and injured children. Listeners can make a donation by calling 951-KIDS (5437).
Sunday
» Birthday party at the Honolulu Zoo: Family event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature entertainment by Jasmine Trias, Henry Kapono and Hoku Zuttermiester. Other activities include a Wii Fit interactive bus, visits with Tucker the Therapy Dog and McGruff. Download and print a free party pass at http://www.kapiolanigift.org. Complimentary tickets are only available online. Entrance at the door will be by regular admission only. Free shuttle service between KCC and the Honolulu Zoo will be available between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
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Patients, doctors and volunteers have shared stories as well, she added. “;We've had a great response. It shows who we are and how far we've come.”;
Starwood Hotels & Resorts partnered with the medical center to offer a grand prize of 200,000 Starwood Preferred Guest Points that can be redeemed for hotel stays. Anyone submitting a story will be eligible to win the prize, with the winner to be selected Sept. 30. The award is equivalent to 20 nights at the Moana Surfrider.
Starwood Hotels is also donating a portion of the proceeds of packages booked through their “;Endless Summer Escape”; campaign. “;Almost every family in Hawaii has been touched by Kapiolani, and now families have a chance to support their children's hospital just by enjoying a relaxing vacation,”; Smith said.
Another centennial highlight is the hourlong television special “;100 Years. Over 1 Million Lives: A Century of Caring for Children at Kapiolani Medical Center,”; which airs tomorrow on local networks. “;The program includes the history of 100 years and future plans but has families telling their stories. It's very touching. You definitely need the Kleenex,”; Smith said.
“;We feel fortunate that the television networks donated time. That hasn't happened since the 'Ice' special (in 2003).”;
THE CENTER THROUGH HISTORY
1988 » The Pediatric Ambulatory Unit, a new model for delivering comprehensive cancer care to Hawaii's children, opens.
2007 » Hawaii Pacific Health commits to rebuild the center in two phases over 20 to 25 years.
2008 » Kapiolani Children's Miracle Network celebrates 25 years. More than $8 million has been raised, and 100 percent of the funds raised stay in Hawaii. Source: KMCWC
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