La Rabida’s mission is based on a holistic and comprehensive approach to patient-centered care. Our specialized care goes beyond medical; we are experts in knowing our patients and building lifelong bonds.
“Jonathan is such a polite, kind young man, wise beyond his years,” says Dr. Mitchell. “He has a level of depth you don’t see in most teens his age.”
At any given time, when you walk into Jonathan’s cabin, you can find him watching his favorite movies of the scary and horror variety or queuing up the playlist of his beloved classic rock bands. Jonathan came to La Rabida several months ago from the ICU, for our medical expertise in optimizing care for his muscular condition. Dr. Mitchell, director of our palliative care program, and the rest of Jonathan’s care team have focused on his rehabilitation, wound, and pain management.
“Our philosophy of care is making our patients comfortable because that builds security and feeling safe in their bodies to heal,” says Dr. Mitchell.
Dr. Mitchell says our mission sets the foundation for staff to make every day the best day possible for our patients. That’s why she called in Dec My Room, an organization dedicated to customizing pediatric patients’ hospital rooms.
“We can give them back parts of their childhood that illness takes away. When we decorated his room, we got to see he’s still a youthful boy at heart.”
La Rabida’s Palliative Care, an inpatient and outpatient program, is a dimension of our interdisciplinary approach to supporting and empowering our patients and families to have a say in choices along the healthcare journey. Dec My Room, Volunteer Coordinator, Kristen Vincent, says each time she comes to La Rabida to ‘dec-out’ a cabin, the warmth and hope of the hospital teams inspire her.
“We picked out his favorite things, like Blackhawks swag, a Harry Potter-themed banner, and more decorations creating an ambience just for Jonathan,” says Kristen.
Energized by the iconic guitar riff, as “Immigrant Song” from the Led Zeppelin III album plays, the teen excitedly awaits the reveal of his newly decorated and personalized cabin.
“This just really feels like my own space. It’s great being here, but now, it’s even better,” says Jonathan. “This is just so cool to see everything, it’s just as cool as my room at home!”
Rick says seeing the brightness of his grandson’s personality because of the detailed attention to Jonathan’s overall well-being brings peace of mind on days the family can’t visit.
“He’s a good-hearted kid and has been through a lot,” said Rick. “I’m glad he’s here and gets this care. I don’t have to worry or lose sleep at night.”
Dec My Room Volunteer Coordinator Kristen Vincent says each time she comes to La Rabida to ‘dec-out’ a patient’s cabin, the warmth and hope that fill the halls on the unit inspire her.
“We picked out Jonathon’s favorite things, like Blackhawks swag, a Harry Potter-themed banner, and more decorations, creating an ambience just for him,” says Kristen.
“We can give them back parts of their childhood that illness takes away,” says Dr. Mitchell about moments like these that demonstrate La Rabida’s holistic approach to care. “When we decorated his room, we got to see he’s still a youthful boy at heart.”
Jonathon’s grandfather, Rick, says seeing the brightness of his grandson’s personality because of experiences like this one and the detailed attention to Jonathan’s overall well-being brings peace of mind on days the family can’t visit.
“He’s a good-hearted kid and has been through a lot,” said Rick. “I’m glad he’s here and gets this care. I don’t have to worry or lose sleep at night.”
