News & Stories
Patient at Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper Gets Her Wish
Ever since Karolynn Grays, 18, of Camden, was a little girl, her dream was to one day travel to France and experience all that the city of Paris has to offer. On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, made that dream a reality.
Staff from around the hospital, including Hematology/Oncology, Adolescent Medicine, and General Pediatrics, organized the presentation by transforming a conference room into a scene from Karolynn’s favorite movie, “Lady and the Tramp.” They bought red and white check table cloths and balloons, and served red velvet cupcakes with blue icing — Karolynn’s favorite color. There, they presented Karolynn with an all-inclusive, 10-day trip abroad.
Karolynn says she is most looking forward to seeing the iconic sights of Paris, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre — and, of course, shopping!
“This trip will be Karolynn’s escape — an escape from chemotherapy and constant doctor visits, and an escape from her diagnosis,” said Kasey Massa, LSW, pediatric social worker at Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper. “Now in remission, Karolynn and her family can fully enjoy this life changing journey — her wish come true.”
After meeting Karolynn, Massa, a specially trained Make-A-Wish volunteer, had referred her to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“I’ve worked in Hematology/Oncology for many years and I have worked with kids with different types of wishes. I try to tell them, ‘You could go somewhere —be something,’ ” Massa explained. “I think the presentation made Karolynn feel special, and it showed support from the entire Pediatrics staff.”
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation’s mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors and entire communities.
Photo Caption: Members of the Hematology/Oncology, Social Work and General Pediatrics teams at Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper helped Karolynn and her family celebrate her receiving her dream trip to France. Posing from left to right are: Kristine Walinski, Patient Service Representative; Michael Goodman, MD, Chief, Department of Pediatrics; Lorraine Raimo, Acting Administrative Director; Emma Colon, Clerical Assistant; Caroline Eggerding, MD, Pediatric Faculty; Suzanne Marques, Administrative Coordinator; Michael Hardiman, RN, Nurse Educator; Kasey Massa, LSW, Social Worker.