Dazzling Families with Story-Time Magic
Under the sea? The African savannah? Miami
Children’s Hospital employees know no bounds when
bringing to life special experiences for children.
Since 2012, the staff and volunteers of the hospital’s
Michael Fux Family Center has created sets, costumes
and choreography to bring to life story-time musicals,
based on Disney
®
blockbusters. Following the success
of the first production, “The Little Mermaid,” staff
knew that an encore was definitely in order. That
set the stage for productions of “The Lion King” and
“Tangled” in 2013. Each musical story-time production
requires months of advance work, including set and
costume design and rehearsals.
“The story-time musicals are one of the highlights of
my year,” said Jackie Gonzalez, Senior Vice President
and Chief Nursing Officer, who serves as a frequent
story-time narrator. “The creativity of the team in
bringing these beloved stories to life is truly inspiring.
And when we share them with patients and families,
the response is amazing. For a little while, everyone
can forget about their medical care and just be lost in
the joy of the moment,” she said.
FuXplore Room Expands Center Offerings
An interactive play space, featuring gesture and
voice-controlled displays and special-effects equipment,
is adding to the magic in Miami Children’s Hospital’s
Michael Fux Family Center, following a 2013 opening.
The new FuXplore Room is especially geared for
children with special needs and adds a new
dimension to the Michael Fux Family Center, which
offers an array of special features to make families
at home. Offerings include libraries for both children
and adults, crafts rooms, a movie theater, kitchen,
laundry facilities, a gym and hair salon.
In addition to helping entertain children with special
needs, the new FuXplore Room is also used to
broadcast major sporting events, and host recreational
and educational activities, including meditation,
Zumba, yoga and more.
Music Therapy Soothes Hearts and Spirits
The Music Therapy Program at Miami Children’s Hospital
truly hit a high note in 2013 thanks in great part to a very
generous donation of $1.25 million from an anonymous
donor. This gift enabled the hospital to continue
expanding this unique program designed to support
patients in coping with hospitalization. The donation
funded three full-time music therapists who provide
both individual and group sessions. Through music
therapy, children can achieve self-expression, and
enhance pain management and coping skills. The
Music Therapy Program is managed by the Child Life
Department. It incorporates an interpersonal process
in which music is used to help children with illnesses,
injuries, disabilities or behavioral problems accomplish
individualized goals as part of their treatment and recovery.
Engage
“We continue to seek ways
to enhance the experience
for children and families
in our care. The FuXplore
Room adds a colorful
and interactive element
to surprise and delight
our special guests.”
Jackie Gonzalez,
Senior Vice President
and Chief Nursing Officer
Miami Children’s Hospital
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