Hi -
My name is Rachel Bergman. A good friend of mine recently put up a post on this forum to purchase some model cars for some of the kids in my hopsital ward who are fighting chemo treatments or rehabing with us.
First off - Carl couldn't believe the support some of you have come through with. When he told me people we coming out of the wood work to help with my project of making the rooms a little less white, I though he ment people were willing to sell him some cars. But then he told me "Rachel people are sending cars and refusing money..." I cried. I know what you're thinking "typical female", but really that's not like me.
I see a lot of things I wish I didn't. I see kids battle every day to do things like - walk, eat with silverware, or have the energy to watch a TV show all the way through without falling asleep because of the medications.
I watch parents, good people, struggle with the fact they have to leave the hospital to go back home and work, to support the high medical bills. I see brothers and sisters give up things like new bikes, new shoes, and new clothes, so their parents can afford the gas to get to and from home and the hospital. I see all this and no tears are shed, I have to remain positive, I have to believe tomorrow will be better for all of them.
No, I'm not a "typical female" in regards to crying, but all that said I'm still very much human, and what made me cry was the fact that you don't know any of these kids, you didn't know Carl, and you don't know me. But despite that, you were willing to help with a project that I believe can help these kids. I got into the medical field for the same reasons, I wanted to help. But so many people simply don't care. Everyone has their own problems, all of them great to that person. But how many people have to wonder if they'll ever see "home" again, or if tomorrow they'll have the strength to get out of bed. How many really understand how difficult rehab is for an 11 year old boy who was playing baseball 4 months ago?
I think sometimes it becomes all about everything trival and nothing about what is really important. And to know that some of you are willing to give up something that means something to you, and send it to a total stranger, that's is really special. These may be just model cars, but to the kids who receive them, they represent more than that, they repesent something "normal", something that says, "we - as people - care."
I'd love to share with you some of the stories about some of the kids that these cars will go to. Privacy laws don't allow me to, I hope you guys understand that. But nothing says you can't still let them know you care. To those that send, if you wouldn't mind including something about the car. Maybe why you built it, how long it took, just some information on the car. Many of these kids will be asked about them. Typcially people don't like talking about the disease itself, and they quickly look around the room for something to talk about. It would be great if these kids had a little information to pass on about the model and the person who was kind enough to send it. Also, if you wouldn't mind including a postive note...I think that would go a long way with not just the child but the parents as well.
I believe these cars will do more than many think. I believe they could change prespective for some. Many of them will one day leave and return home, taking that with them will always remind them that people care and they overcame an obstical. Odds are, if history about these type of things proves true, what you're giving this kid will become a family airlume. Something that the child involved will never give up through out his journey through life, along with reminding him that even the little things can make an impact on another person.
Anyway I just had to visit the site at work and say thank you so much myself. I really mean that. I don't know what else to say but that. It's really all I can offer.
With Love.
Rachel Bergman
