Josie’s Toy Drive for the Neurosurgery Kids Fund

By Susan Hofforth

How can you cheer up a five-year-old girl who is about to have brain surgery? Give her something to look forward to after the operation like the promise of picking up a new toy off the shelf.

“Josie was so excited about getting that toy, that the surgery wasn’t as traumatic for her as we thought it would be,” said mom Jennifer McKinnon. “We are so grateful to the Stollery for doing that for us, so we want to make sure there are new toys there for the next NeuroKids. They made a really big difference to her stay.”

Josie became a ‘NeuroKid’ after a bad fall while on vacation this summer. Today, after many brain surgeries, she is a bright and cheerful child. She is back in school, healing well, and working hard. And she wants to help out those who helped her, “I’m going to get some toys for Wendy,” she said. Wendy Beaudoin is one of the co-founders of the Neurosurgery Kids Fund and Josie’s nurse practitioner. Her office is the place where the toys were kept for the children to choose from after each operation. Most children who have brain surgery need more than one operation, her mother said.

Josie’s Toy Drive for the Neurosurgery Kids Fund is taking place until November 18. Drop off boxes are found at Staples, Credit Union, PharmaSave, and The Rig. Jennifer and Josie will be delivering the toys to the Neurosurgery Kids Fund at the Stollery Children’s Hospital on November 20.

“They really helped us so much,” said Jennifer. “The toy shelf is just one of the things. They run summer camps, and give compassion bags filled with amenities. They provide information, support, and guidance for the families and the patients when they need it the most. We want to do what we can to help out this really great cause and because we felt like we became a part of a new family while we were there.”

Josie’s favourite toy from the shelf was the Kinetic Sand. “It’s just like Play Doh, but it’s sand,” said her mom. “It kept her entertained for hours in her hospital bed. When she got home, she loved the Furbie, but it was too noisy for her while she was recovering.” Good things to donate are things like crayons and colouring books that can keep kids, from infant to 17 years, occupied while they wait out the hours in a hospital room.

For more information, visit Josie’s Toy Drive on Facebook, or www.neurosurgerykidsfund.com.