Zoe Kakanakis ‘27
As a kid, everyone made friendship bracelets at some point. Whether during summer camp, school, on a road trip, or at home. It’s a fun and creative activity, requiring few supplies. It is something that can be done in pairs, groups or even alone.
Creativity and busy hands have been scientifically proven to be therapeutic, hence the mental health profession of art therapy. Many children have had to go through the experience of being hospitalized, some with long-lasting illnesses. Some may be lonely, others may be fearful of what lies ahead for them, but I’m certain all of them are bored. These patients all have one thing in common; they are all feeling the effects of being stripped of typical childhood activities and longing for some normalcy. Enter the Scholar Society’s latest idea to help time pass and maybe even bond with other patients and peers along the way.
The friendship bracelet initiative is the Scholar Society’s latest project. The goal is to make friendship bracelet-making kits to give to the children at Maimonides Hospital.
The Scholars Society sat and assembled the bracelet making kits, ensuring they would be a hit from the start. Plenty of thought and love went into every detail. The boxes were individually prepared, and are all fun, cheery animal prints. Each box has a small note card attached to the outside. The notecards all have motivational, inspiring or kind messages on them, personalizing and making them even more special on first sight. Each box contains enough supplies for two bracelets. There are two pieces of pre-cut string, 40 colored beads, lettered beads, and three charms.
President Tessa Lomoro, who came up with the heartfelt idea says, “We can make these boxes, and we can put all of these different materials in it. Things like: string, beads and stickers, and then they will be able to make bracelets while they are in the hospital. Just to make things lighter for them and make them happier, to brighten their day a little bit.”
Things can be very hard when you're in the hospital, especially for children. The goal is to bring some joy to the kids going through rough times. Something to distract them from the hardships they are facing, pass some time, and maybe even make friends with other patients along the way.
Art therapy has been gaining momentum in medical settings. There is a quote by Dale Carnegie that states, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage”. This initiative is for that sole purpose, to keep the patient's hands & minds busy with the hopes of spreading some sunshine in an otherwise mundane environment. Every bit of a distraction in such a setting is a positive thing, and the children deserve all of the positivity they can get.
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