Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan:Pediatric Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Visit, December 19th, 2011
By Erin Jenkinson QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairperson
 It was so good to be back at Hurley visiting with all the kids. We jumped right back into the swing of things! Sgt. Theede and I were joined by a special guest. Miss Tip of the Mitt Outstanding Teen, Victoria Lines brought every child a bear she had collected through a toy drive she previously hosted. It was a full house at the hospital tonight; we saw 17 boys and 14 girls. The children really enjoyed their new furry friends and visit with the QFAD group for their Royal Tuck In. We had the pleasure  of meeting a spunky 7 year girl named Allie. When we walked into the room she was a little shy but as soon as we handed her a stuffed bear and a snowman craft she immediately began to talk with us. Suddenly we found ourselves learning all about her school, friends, favorite subjects and especially her favorite video games! I’m pretty sure we brightened up her hospital stay. Her mother even thanked us at the elevator for our kindness. Victoria also gave me a little brown bear named Hope; he will forever represent faith and belief in possibilities.
Gimme A Break, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, December 12, 2011
By Ruth Williams "Gimme A Break" Coordinator
This month instead of our normal spa night we created a wreath decorating party for the patients and their  families. We also went in the afternoon as we needed the daylight to create our wreaths. In total that day we created 18 wreaths. What fun it was but the biggest surprise were the boys. They really got into making a wreath  for their family. One boy even came back and wanted some mistletoe (I wonder who he was kissing) so we made some. At the end of the day we even had some wreaths and fixin' left to take to rehab for their craft time. At the end of the day we had beautiful fresh wreaths for everyone to share for the holidays.
Merry Christmas!
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, November 17, 2011
By Dena Raminick-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator and QFAD/Heroes Detroit Founder Today's Royal Tuck in at Beaumont was a bit different than usual as we made our "rounds" during the day per the request of the Child Life Coordinator.
What we found different about the atmosphere was a sense of calm. When asked if we'd like to continue RTI during the days I declined because it is clear to me that our visits are really making a difference at night. The tensions in the room are heightened at night with the kids anxious either due to increased pain, anxiety about sleeping at the hospital or perhaps feeling the stress of the parents who are visiting after work.
Kaitlyn and Tammy Maiani joined the fun today and we were certainly busy! We visited 25 kids ranging in age from a 2 month old girl to a 22 year old. We saw several children who were also there last month but got some great news when we found that our new teenage-friend "Tony" is now cancer-free. We were amused to hear him spin his tale of surgical scars into being bitten by a shark, a tale we think will be a hit with the ladies. We also had a special visit with little "Aaron" who we pretend-played chef with and with the help of a new toy we brought him of miniature plastic foods, created a very colorful, albeit unedible, Thanksgiving meal. We also happened to be on the floor the same day as our old friend "Brooke" was there for surgery.
We met Brooke at Camp Quality ten years ago and has been a friend of the chapter's ever since. This special little girl is actually now a woman (21!) and we left good wishes for her speedy recovery.
Glam, Glitz and Giving, November 10, 2011, Troy, Kilgour Scottish Centre
By Ruth Williams, Advisory Board member and chairperson
Our First Glitz, Glam, & Giving was a huge success. Can you believe that just  as we were ready to open the doors it started to snow? As our guest arrived they were given a goodie bag full of surprises and given a tour of the layout so they could decide what they wanted to do first. Most went for the food, next they received quick hair do's and make-up and then a glamour picture or went to the photo booth for fun group pictures. Before we started the fashion show and live auction we were honored to have our founder, Jenna Edwards, share with the group the story of how Queen for a Day started.
Next on to a GREAT fashion show presented by Amy Kaqminsky Productions and Wendy Nelson from The Look for Less. The live auction was very lively with auctioneer Beth Moffhart who was not only entertaining but did a great job of getting the most for our 15 items. We also had 5 vendors selling dips, pillows, crowns, manget boards, clothes, bags and jewerly. It was a very fun night for all! Looking forward to a bigger event next year.
November 2011 
Thank You to the Pierce Family of Orchard Lake! They used their annual Halloween Party as a way to gather donations for FAD. Each guest was asked to bring along a new toy to the bash and they collected over 80 toys! We can't wait to share them with our queens and heroes!
FADF Volunteers at Cookies-N-Dreams, October 27, 2011
By Debbie Hormel, Advisory Board member and Volunteer chairperson, Royal Oak Beaumont
 The Camp-Mak-A-Dream’s yearly fundraiser “Cookies-N-Dreams”, held in the north court of Somerset Mall was a smash hit! It was a very large and excited crowd that got to eat cookies, vote on cookies, and take full cookie bags home. Once inside the kids and adults got to enjoy the D.J., the fabulous food, celebrity visits and even photos with Paws, the Detroit Tiger mascot.
 Catie Glossmann, FADF volunteer, recruited volunteers from FADF and Debbie Hormel helped to get them settled into their assignments for their 4-8:00 p.m. shift. We truly appreciated the dedication of the volunteers who came, worked hard and gave of their time to help us work along side the Camp-Make-A-Dream team.
 Carol Almeranti and her sister Linda were stationed at the Hot Dog station where they passed out laughs along with the food. Barista’s Drema and Kelly Piech worked the Starbucks station while Michael Byrd helped passed out goodie bags and was even spotted carrying out heavy boxes at the end of the event (thanks for the muscle Michael!). Beth Sills came with her daughter Stephanie to work registration along with Karen Hertz, Debbie Hormel, and Ronnie Hormel while Catie greeted each and every guest as they entered the event and fielded many enquires about Camp-Mak-a-Dream and what they’re all about.
The team work was amazing! A big cookie thank you to all of these wonderful volunteers who came and gave of their time.
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-October 24, 2011
By Dena Raminick-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator and QFAD/Heroes Detroit Founder
Jenica and I ran Tuck In together tonight at Beaumont Hospital and it was a fairly busy night. We saw the largest age range I think we've ever had, seeing a baby boy who was only four days old all the way up to a 24-year old. Halloween was on everyone's mind tonight and we brought little trick-or-treat bags with goodies in them. Magazines and books were shared, along with some absolutely gorgeous blankets from our friend Rose Champion. We saw over 20 kids tonight but my most memorable visit was with little Jillian. I read her a story about princesses and gave her a tiara and also left a book about a snowman for her special friend, Mr. Snowman. We gave him a blankie as well. I was impressed with her computer savvy, as she shared a home video with me on her iPad (she is in the Third Grade).
Gimme A Break, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, October 17, 2011
By Ruth Williams "Gimme A Break" Coordinator
It's spa night again at Beaumont and as we arrive to set up we are greeted with families excited for relaxation services! Tonight we will pamper 20 patients and parents. What a treat for us to provide! Not only are we busy doing manicures, facials, massages (always a long line) but it's great the see the patients talking with each other and having fun. This time also allows the parents a chance to visit with each other and take a little break where they can relax for a minute and just talk. As we pack up and leave I know we created a little time for everyone to have a little break.
"Gimme A Break", Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, September 12, 2011
by Ruth Williams "Gimme A Break" Coordinator
As we roll into our room at Beaumont for spa night the guests start to follow. Ruth our Massage Therapist is already busy working as we start to set up. As always, the night goes fast but very smooth as we did facials, manicures and parafins on 22 parents and patients.
Everyone had pretty nails and relaxing services as they went back to their rooms feeling a little better.
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-August 29, 2011
By Dena Raminick-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator and QFAD/Heroes Detroit Founder
A Royal Tuck-In was held at Royal Oak's Beaumont Hospital on August 29th. Dena, Roz, Jenica, Jeff and a new volunteer, Jamie, visited with 28 children in their hospital rooms. We met babies as young as 4 weeks and teens as old as 19, sharing bedtime stories, magazines, beanie babies wrapped in a crocheted square (courtesy of Berkshire Middle School) and hand-painted pillow cases. Visits ranged anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes each. We continue to receive warm praise from the hospital and how much they love this program and the comfort level they have with us. Next visits are Oct. 24 and Nov. 21. There will be no visit in September.
Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan: Pediatric Unit/
Pediatric Intensive Care Visit, August 22nd, 2011
By Erin Jenkinson QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairperson
Oh My Goodness! I meant the sweetest little 3 year old boy tonight. He was beyond excited to meet a “Real Princess.” The nurse was helping him get dressed when she told him I was coming to see him tonight, he quickly pulled his hospital gown down, clearly embarrassed, and said, “Is she coming in now?” The nurse told him I was waiting for him to be ready. A few minutes later he poked his head around the corner and said, “I’m ready for the Princess now!” Having worked at Hurley for nearly 4 years, I can say this little Prince had me wrapped around his finger the moment he said, “Come in Princess.” We played with the toys I brought him and I read a story to him. When it was time to go he was not very happy to see me leave. I had Jordan stay with him for the rest of our visit. He warmed up to him and the two read a couple stories and colored pictures! I went on to see the other 20 children, 9 girls and 11 boys! Everyone was happy to see us and really enjoyed the crafts and reading material we gave them. The night was a great success, but I have to say, my little Prince stole my heart tonight!
"Gimme A Break" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, August 22, 2011
By Ruth Williams, "Gimme A Break" Coordinator
All I can say is WOW! Half way thru the night I looked around and thought "Is someone having a party in here?" and then I realized the answer was--yes, it's us! Tonight by far has been the busiest event of the summer. I want to give special thanks to Diana our new massage therapist she had no idea what she was getting into and to Angie for helping the event run smoothly. At least 37 parents and children received spa services tonight. There are always so many cute kids and stories. One 2 year old just wanted to have blue toe nails! Everyone had their hands dipped with paraffin which quite a few had never had done before. Between all the facials, massages, and nails I think it was a fun night for everyone!
Chapter Meeting Synopsis, August 11, 2011
Heroes Visit to Camp Quality, Camp Coneconic in Fenton, July 19, 2011
By Beth Monicatti Blank-Heroes Fenton Camp Quality Coordinator
For 2011 Camp Quality a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer asked us to put together a "Heroes" program for the camp.
Since "Superheroes" was the theme we were very excited for the opportunity to spend time with these special kids.
We put together a stellar group of everyday heroes!
 Detroit Police Department: Commander Duane McKissic (who is excellent at balloon animals), Police Officer Tamika Davis and her amazing son Terrez, Police Officer Robert Huckestein with canine dogs Freddie and Joy, Police Officer Dawn Johnson from tactical mobile, Police Office Delawn Steen from gang enforcement, and Police Officer Raymond Trammell from the SWAT Team.
Grand Blanc Police Officer Scott Thede (who is always at our Hurley Hospital visits!)
Grand Blanc Firefighters: Jason Bowsher, Anthony Waite and Bart Jones.
 For 2 hours our "heroes" talked about what motivated them to work in their professions, quizzed us on safety tips and answered questions like "have you ever been shot or burned?" The kids were great! The Grand Blanc Fire Department brought a beautiful truck, and the police officers brought interesting items that they use to keep us safe (the taser was really neat!)
An amazing evening with some great people—our "heroes" fighting this horrible disease and our "heroes" that keep us safe. I hope they ask us back next year!
QFAD Visit to Camp Quality, Camp Coneconic in Fenton, July 21, 2011
By Beth Monicatti Blank-QFAD Fenton Camp Quality Coordinator
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
"Superheroes" was the theme. At the camp for the week were 64 kids. The weather was really hot for outdoor activities so our event in the air conditioning was well received.
 Queen for a Day/Heroes was asked to assist in the preparations before the big talent show, held the last night of camp. The talented people from Excel did hair while the rest of us did makeup, nails, decorated cupcakes, made crafts and listened to songs with superhero themes!
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers-Ruth, Amber, Emily, Natalie, Bella, Hayley, Marina, Kristine, Andy, Dena, Erin, Paula, Beth, Amanda, Janice, David, Karen, Patty and Julia.
I think the kids had as much fun as we did!
R.O.L.L. Club Donation, July 2011
By Esther Skiba, Detroit QFAD and Heroes Area Director
I had the honor of accepting a fantastic donation from the R.O.L.L. Club from Pine Tree Elementary School in Lake Orion. The club is a special leadership club that has donated to our program for the last several years. The club consists of 3 & 4th grade girls that put together a plan for raising funds and collecting items from our Wish List. The girls do a presentation to the students at the school, set a goal of how many items they hope to collect. They create donation boxes, collect items and money from their classmates and sort the items before delivering them. The goal this year was 250 items which they surpassed and also presented us with $50 in monetary donations. Thank you to the students and advisors for choosing our program to benefit from all their hard work!
Chapter Meeting Synopsis, July 16, 2011
"Gimme A Break" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, June and July 2011
By Ruth Williams, "Gimme A Break" Coordinator
Summers here at Beaumont Royal Oak and our nights at the hospital have been very busy. In June we had one of our busiest nights as all the patients and families came to see us. We stayed an hour longer just to accommodate all 27 visitors with a facial, massage or manicure. I think the whole floor had fun!
The July event was very busy again. We had 3 new families with us for the first time tonight. Our child life coordinator at Beaumont, Joanne, took us bedside to 4 patient rooms to do spa services and let the families know that they could come to the beautiful garden area on the pediatric floor for a massage or a facial or just to take a break. At least 31 people came into the spa to relax and get pampered with Queen for a Day. I'll be looking for a few extra hands for August to help us out.
Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan: Pediatric Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Visit, June 6th, 2011
By Erin Jenkinson QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairperson
 Tonight I went solo with my princesses and heroes! Although, I went by myself, the night went off pretty smoothly. The weather was just starting to get nice so the kids were a little antsy and wanted to go outside and play, instead of being stuck in the hospital. I visited 15 little girls and 9 little boys, 24 kids altogether who were overjoyed to have someone to play with them. One little girl I had the pleasure of meeting, would make your heart melt within the first five minutes of talking with her. Brielle was a 4 year old ball of energy and filled with pure happiness. I walked into the room and she greeted me with a smile and a big hug exclaiming to her parents that I was "A Real Princess!" After giving her a tiara, boa, and her very own wand, she was elated and could not take the smile off her face. She was even more excited to take a picture with me! I get so much joy seeing these children have a moment of happiness during their time in the hospital!
Junior Girl Scout Troop #42966, Troy, Michigan-June 6, 2011
By Beth Monicatti Blank-
QFAD & Heroes Advisory Board Member and Volunteer
 Junior Girl Scout Troop #42966 artistically decorated pillow cases and tote bags for our hospital visits. What a wonderful selfless gift to brighten the lives  of sick kids. Special thanks go to all that participated—Tammy Golden, Denise Dunn, Michelle Christl, the people from Acts through Art—Brian Clifford and Kim McCoy, plus the artistic girls: Lauren, Jhania, Shayna, Kennedy, Natalie, Gracelyn, Toya, Jenna, Megen, Krysten, Sarah, Emily, Cindy, Courtney, Bridget and Mackenzie.
"Gimme A Break" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, May 16, 2011
By Ruth Williams, Gimme A Break Coordinator
Last night we spent a busy spa night at Beaumont. Christy helped by doing massage which is always one of our busiest areas. Who doesn't love a massage? The manicure area also was full all night with everyone wanting to have beautiful nails. We wanted to add a little extra for the little girls so we brought along Gold and Purple Tinsel for the hair which was a big hit. We even had to go bedside as one of the patients really needed some in her hair too! As always it was a fun relaxing break for the parents and the patients to the end of a long day. Until next month when we will be back to do it all again.
QFAD/Heroes 4th Annual Fashion Show - May 1, 2011
by Nikki Follis-Fashion Show Chairperson
Another great show for the 4th Annual Spring Fashion show held at the Parisian store at the Partridge Creek Mall.
Just as we have in the past, the show  was opened up to boys and girls ages 3-21 as well as their siblings. We had 32 kids in attendance that day!!
The day began with pampering on location by Great Clips and the makeup counters at Parisian. The experts took the time to provide hair and makeup services to all of the participants involved ensuring that they would look their absolute best for the event. And they truly looked runway ready!!
 Cristine's Camera provided photo shoots of the participants and each child will receive a CD photo memory of their day. This is always fun as Cristine can be so creative!!
Those arriving while the participants were getting ready were greeted by the Tea Party Castle princess, Theresa. She is absolutely stunning and was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. One would think she is truly royalty....she makes an amazing princess!!
 Just as years past, smiles, tears and cheers filled the room as soon as the participants started their way down the runway. Elena Makssoud took the time to speak to the audience about her story at the start of the show. What an amazing young woman she is! And to think....the first year we had the show, she told me she couldn't go down the runway minutes before it started! She has overcome so many obstacles and she had me in tears! It truly is my pleasure to know her and her amazing mother! It was a great addition to hear her speak of how far she has come to be where she is today. This event always pulls at my heartstrings and really shows me how precious life really is. These kids are AWESOME!
 We had a great turnout with well over 150 people in attendance and standing room only again this year. Theresa at Parisian did a fabulous job putting this event into motion and we have set a date for next year!! Our 5th Annual show will be held May 6, 2012.
Thank you to all of the volunteers that came out to help the day of the event as well as those who assisted prior to the event! There was a lot of work that went into planning the event and the final outcome really showed how much the effort really made a difference! I really could not put this event together without all of your help and support!
See's Candy Sale-April 2011
By Angie Sanchez, QFAD & Heroes Volunteer and
Exceptional Candy Salesperson!
In April our chapter took orders for yummy See's Chocolates. Even though we had only a handful of volunteers selling we were able to raise several hundred dollars for our chapter. All orders were delivered in time for the spring holidays and no doubt everyone enjoyed their delicious candy.
Watch for See's solid chocolate candy bars that will be for sale at our November fundraiser!
Spring Time Tea Party in the Pediatric Garden Room, Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, April 20, 2011
By Debbie Hormel, Chairperson Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital
Our Spring Time Tea Party brought lots of smiles to the children who came and decorated spring time cupcakes, complete with bunny marshmallows, lots of frosting and every type and color of sprinkles imaginable. Our volunteer Sarah Smith made sure to decorate special cupcakes for the children in the unit who could not join us. These special Queens and Heroes were also treated to goody bags filled with lots of toys, nail polish, makeup, etc. put together by Karen Blaszyk. Fayclare Blau helped our kids who were decorating and personalizing picture frames that would hold their photo taken by Catie Hormel. Our newest volunteer Rachel Adriansen brought a lot of enthusiasm and fun to our party! She sat and chatted with the kids as she polished nails and did makeup, sharing how she had been at one of our QFAD/Hero parties last year in the Garden Room as a patient, and has now joined our great team of volunteers!
Macomb Township Girl Scout group, Troop 30563, under the leadership of Aunjeanette Marlow made our princesses and heroes some cozy handmade fleece blankets. The kids really had a great time getting to pick out the one they liked. Thanks girls for taking the time to make these special gifts for our special kids!
All of these wonderful volunteers helped to make this party, Spring Time Special for all the Princesses and Heroes!
Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan: Pediatric Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Visit, April 11th, 2011
By Erin Jenkinson QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairperson
The evening started off with a visit to a very sweet, funny little fire chief!  Martin made our day; he was quite the little character! He was a very bright, well spoken 4 year old, who made Sgt. Theede and I laugh the entire visit! I could have taken him home.
We continued to make our rounds to see a total of 9 boys and 6 girls, including a little girl who was just admitted to the hospital. Her face lit up as soon as we came into her room. She and her parents were so surprised to see us and were very thankful for the gifts and especially the tiara. A 15 year old boy who had been hospitalized for quite awhile was very grateful for the crafts and books. He was happy to have something to do to pass the time away. The night went smoothly and surprisingly quiet…well, except for our little comedian at the beginning of the night.
April Snow Showers bring Warm Blankets to Children!
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-April 11, 2011
By Megan Maiani-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
Today we visited Beaumont for another Royal Tuck In and it was one of our best visits yet. We had two new volunteers with us this time, Federica and SWAT Officer Ray. They did a phenomenal job with the children. Thank you Jeremy James for recommending them to our program! We started off in the ICU and visited with 2 little boys. Alexei was there again, as we met him during our March visit and it was a match made in heaven with him and Officer Ray. Alexei had just said before his surgery he wanted to go into something to do with the SWAT team and it was ironic that we brought along a real SWAT member. They chatted and chatted, and Officer Ray showed him some of his equipment and the parents were thrilled. Then we went to the general PEDS floor and visited with 14 children. Children just looked at Officer Ray and a huge smile appeared on their faces. It is really starting to become a rewarding trip each month as we are now seeing children from previous visits coming back for treatments, or surgeries an the parents are really appreciating us taking such an interest in their child's life.
Pediatric Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Visit
Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan, March 14th, 2011
By Erin Jenkinson QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairperson
Unfortunately, the snow storm kept us away in February but we were back at it in March! We had plenty of little ones to see tonight. We were told this is the season of respiratory infection among the little ones. Lots of stuffed animals, baby books, tiaras, police badges and fireman hats were handed out. The parents really enjoyed having us visit with them and their children. They especially enjoyed the word searches and puzzle books to keep them busy. All together we visited with 15 boys and 12 girls. One particular 15 year old was surprised and grateful for the crafts and books we gave her. She was very happy to have something to do to pass the time away. The night went smoothly and surprisingly quiet.
Spring has Sprung at Beaumont Hospital
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-March, 2011
By Megan Maiani-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
Today we visited Beaumont for another Royal Tuck In and boy was it busy. Joann emailed me early this morning to tell me to bring 40 blankets, and we used all but 6 of them, visiting a total of 34 children and babies. This was the first time we had so many babies, and it was a different kind of experience. IT was really unfortunate that we ran into a family we met last month again, but great all at the same time. The mom remembered as soon as we walked into the room and showed us that her whole family still had their bracelets on that they made at the Valentine's Party with us. She kept thanking us again for providing her family with so much. Another little boy was so sad about being in the hospital because he was supposed to be done with his treatments and had to come in again. As soon as the visit started with him I did not think it was ever going to end. His mother was so appreciative and they were both talking up a storm. The nurses and Joann could not believe it because he has been so cranky towards everyone on the floor but he just took to the For a Day volunteers. Next month we look forward to another Tuck In and bringing the kids easter eggs filled with goodies!!!
Gimme A Break Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, February 28, 2011
By Ruth Williams Gimme A Break Coordinator
Again what a busy night we had. Beaumont had a more than full hospital last night. As we walked in they were waiting for us. Amber gave Emma her first manicure having her nails painted pink at 4 months old. What a cutie! She is going to be a diva for sure! We did spa services for 29 parents and children. One of the little girls (2 years old) wanted to do her Dad's nails and he left with pink sparkle nail polish. We also had a birthday party going on to add a little fun. Before we knew it our time was up and the floor quiets down as everyone is relaxed and ready to go to sleep.
Hurley Medical Center Pediatric Unit, February 19th, 2011
Very Important Princesses (VIP's)
Our Lady of the Lakes, Miss America Organization
By Erin Jenkinson Chairman
What an exciting time for these 7 "Very Important Princesses" Theses young ladies are members of Camp Casey, a non-profit horse riding camp for children conquering cancer. The girls were picked up in a limousine, taken out to lunch and then escorted off to a salon to be pampered like the Princesses they are. The girls had their hair and nails done and then were taken to the auditorium to sit like "Royalty" in front row seats at the inaugural Miss Lady of the Lakes, Pretty in Pink, Miss  America scholarship program. I was beyond excited when the director gave the contestants the opportunity to bring these Princesses' something special to highlight their evening. I got busy making royal pink gift bags for each girl. The Princess bags were filled with lots of goodies donated by Queen for a Day. I filled them with pink sparkly picture frames, personal pink manicure kits with pink polish, pink door hangers with pink stickers, pink glow sticks, pink boas, a shiny crown, pink heart luggage tags, a specially made pink crown cookie, and one pink long stemmed rose. You guessed it! The girls were tickled pink when they were brought on stage and their names were announced as they were crowned and received their Very Important Pink Princess gift bags. I believe they had a perfectly pink princess night.
MARVAC Camper and RV Show Fundraiser - Saturday, February 19, 2011
By Josie Byrd
I would like to thank the Michigan Association of Recreational Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) for giving QFAD the opportunity to raise money at the RV and camper show.
The camper show is a big event in Michigan. MARVAC every year has invited QFAD to run the coat check and to have table space to display our QFAD/Heroes pamphlets, fireman hats, tiaras and pins to be sold during the show.
This year the camper show broke their record with over 9000 attendees on Saturday. With so many people we were very busy with the coat check, distributing information and answering questions regarding QFAD.
The MARVAC Camper fundraiser was a big success. Thanks to all that participated.
Lots of Love at Beaumont Hospital
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-February, 2011
By Megan Maiani-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
Today we visited Beaumont during the day instead of at night for our monthly Tuck In's. The 5th floor was hosting a Valentine's Party for the children, and Joann the child life specialist thought it would be great if For A Day volunteers were in attendance. Dena made goodie bags and a cake, which were taken to the rooms for the children who could not come down to the Garden Center Party. Kaitlyn and Denise had a table where many children enjoyed making beaded bracelets as gifts for their parents and siblings for Valentines Day. Even the workers got excited and started making "bling" to show off to their husbands for Valentine's presents from the party. One little boy Kyle decided he loved beading after making 4 bracelets and could not wait to play with his cousins beads next week when he gets to go home. Tammy had a table where the children made frames and foam valentines for their parents and friends. She met a new friend Kristen who did not want to come down to the party because she did not want to be the only child in a wheelchair. After talking with Tammy she decided it was the best Valentine's Party EVER! This was a great experience hosting a corner at a holiday party and we enjoyed hearing many stories from the children and parents today. Next month we look forward to another Tuck In!
"Gimme A Break" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak January 31, 2011
By Ruth Williams Gimme A Break Coordinator
Pulling into the parking garage tonight and you could just tell it was going to be a very busy night. As soon as we had the spa set up we were busy with parents and the kids. Maureen our massage therapist started out going bed side and we never saw her the rest of the night. Between services that night we also had time to pass out crowns and boas to the cutest little ones who loved them and also to some of our teenage girls who needed to have one too. The evening ended with everyone leaving with beautiful nails, glowing skin from their facials, and soft hands from a paraffin dips. We left that night tired but knowing we relaxed patients, and parents as they went back to their rooms.
January 2011, A letter from an admirer
One of my best friends has been at Beaumont with her daughter for an eye infection (that wasn't responsive to IV antibiotics for 4+ days.)
They called me on Monday to tell me that the lovely QFAD people were there, the husband in tears, stating how wonderful the program was and how great it made all the kids feel. They were touched.
Thankfully their daughter was finally released on oral antibiotics, and able to go home, but I thought you might like to hear what a wonderful job your volunteers are doing.
I was happy to say I knew of your great work too! Please feel free to share with whoever was there on Monday and may they know that for at least one family, they made a HUGE difference in the overall experience of being in the hospital. Sure there were many more...
Peace,
Michelle
Michelle T. Warren, LMSW
Program Director- Gilda's Club Metro Detroit
An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community
"Royal Tuck-In" Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak-January 24, 2011
By Megan Maiani-Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Tuck-In Coordinator
Our first Tuck In of 2011 was a great success! When we walked onto the 5th floor, there was a different feeling this time. It was very quiet and not one person was in the hallway. I began to think that this visit was going to be very short but we soon found out that there was a full house. Dena, Kaitlyn, Tammy, and I started off in the ICU. Dena and I paired up and started in Bob's room while Kaitlyn and Tammy visited 5 babies' rooms. Bob did not really talk much and we spent a lot of time talking through his parents but every time we ended a conversation he would put in a word because he did not want us to leave. We then left the ICU and went over to the floor and visited a lot of boys. There were hardly any girls in the hospital this visit! Two boys in particular struck all of us….Eddie and Anthony. Eddie had two brothers and the family was so grateful for us coming in and offering not only Eddie a goodie bag but also his brothers. Families have not usually been very talkative in the past, and I think that was due to the Holiday season and the stress. Thankfully, we were able to talk to a lot of the parents as well as the children and help put them at a comfortable level. Our last room was another boy with 2 brothers and all four of us went in because it sounded like a party. They sure were having a party, playing Grand Theft Auto. The video game went on pause and each boy took one of us and started talking, telling us all about their lives and favorite video games. January's visit was definitely a great night with many thankful children and families. JoAnn invited For a Day to the Valentine's Party next month so we are excited to be a part of that fun day and are looking forward to it!
Gimme A Break St. John's Hospital Grosse Pointe, January 19, 2011
By Ruth Williams Gimme A Break Coordinator
A quiet night at St. John's last night which is a good thing as that means not as many children in the hospital. I was very lucky to meet a new massage therapist to work with us and she is wonderful. Last night we offered facials and massage to our families which was a first time experience for them.
Hurley Medical Center, Flint Michigan:
Pediatric Unit/Pediatric Intensive Care Visit January 17th, 2011
By Erin Jenkinson QFAD/HEROES Hurley Hospital Chairperson
What a great way to start off the new year by visiting the special kids at Hurley. I decided to call ahead to see if there were  Beautiful Emma and her future husband Justin Bieber!
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