Saturday, June 28, 2014

Week 4: Cancer Patients

Little did I know at the beginning of this week that I would get to work with individual cancer patient cases alongside IRMC’s cancer department! Of course, this re-sparked my desire to do cancer research (I’ve been keeping an open mind to several different medical career routes). Incidentally, I had been thinking of cancer etiologies and experiments the night before. So perhaps this will be a large part of my route to a career of helping others with prevention and healing from cancers, in addition to other diseases. I would like to start this research soon by combining it with my forthcoming senior research. 

I landed this task, unfortunately, because the “patient navigator” staff person of the cancer center had recently broken her arm and needed help preparing packets and paperwork for her upcoming meetings. The patient navigator determines which of the hospital's patients who receive tests and surgeries have cancer. That is impressive in itself. She then contacts them, collects all of their data (lab work, CT/X-ray images, statuses of surgeries, etc.) and creates packets to be referred to during the meetings that take place twice a month. These meetings are based on the type of cancers being discussed. For example, the meeting I attended this week was for lung cancer patients and the meeting two weeks from now is for breast cancer patients. Lung and breast cancer are the most common forms that IRMC sees. The patient navigator also helps to set up genetic counseling sessions that take place over video conferences with a doctor at Duke University.

The first day of working with the patient navigator, we completed the lung cancer patients’ packets. The next morning at 7 a.m., I took notes of what the doctors discussed during the meeting. There were 4 patients being discussed, each case headed by a doctor who has primary ruling for the patients’ future treatment. It was incredible how quickly the doctors discussed the details of the cancer, including whether there were actually malignant masses or if the masses were only benign. This was done while each patient’s CT/X-ray images were displayed on the projector. The doctors discussed further testing methods per the official NCCN treatment guidelines that are based on the stages of cancer and many other details. This, I realized, was a vital component to the diagnosis and treatment of patients. For instance, performing a needle biopsy on a patient who was in stage 1 of lung cancer could risk spreading the cancer cells, worsening the patient’s condition. Rather, they could perform other imaging tests to determine more about the cancer. 

The next day, I worked in the auxiliary office with the rest of the volunteers as usual and collected a great amount of data for the infectious control project. The hand hygiene practices have increased by 5.5% (progress!). By the time I finished that, the patient navigator called for my assistance with some data compiling. Working with this data also brought me to a scary realization. I didn't anticipate that many of the patients that are seen at IRMC are cancer patients. However, in totaling the data for the month of June, there were approximately 170 new cancer patients., and I was told that this was a smaller group than those of previous, busier (in-season) months. One patient was only 23 years old and had been fighting leukemia since age 17. I had seen the data in epidemiology class that cancer is now in the top three causes of deaths in the U.S., but seeing the names, ages, and diagnoses on paper makes it very real.

This being on a serious note, I am very thankful for the experiences I had this week working with the cancer department. I see a huge need for research to determine etiologies and truly effective prevention and treatment. Speaking with the patient navigator throughout the week on a professional and personal basis and discussing our agreeing hypotheses on the causes of cancers, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to help perform this research and implement prevention/treatment programs vastly into our world. At this point, I'm very anxious to begin this work and make an impact. That said, to any of you or those you know who are interested in my progress in this cancer investigation or have further suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me! I am always eager to learn more and teach more. 

Good health & B-love to all!

Flagler Schools Summer Camp Week 3!


Hello hello! 

This week I kicked off Monday with the addition of the Orange group; we now have five groups of kids and one floater, Cassie, whom I mentioned in my first blog. I feel like we are now all properly positioned and that we're working in full-capacity. The first two weeks we kind of jumped around and a few people were sent home due to low numbers and camp, and this week that didn't have to happen.  It feels much more organized than before, and so I am happy. 

My group is mainly comprised of the (for lack of a better term) "problem" kids from each group. These aren't bad kids, but simply kids who have issues with listening and following directions and don't play well with the kids in their group. I was genuinely surprised by a few of them, who in their groups were absolute terrors and were constantly trouble but when put in this new environment were not just well-behaved, but kids I now enjoy having around. One in particular used to fight and then whine like a baby when he was disciplined, but once in the new group he became a leader, showing the other kids how to play with toys and reminding others of the rules. Unfortunately, one of my kids was removed from camp Monday afternoon. He was not necessarily a problem kid, but one that was obviously not ready for camp. You could tell he was an only child and was absolutely babied at home, so anything you asked him to do he blatantly defied you. I think being in school for a year will do him some good and hopefully next summer we'll see him again. 

This week was kind of rough. In some respects it was much better, but if we're judging based on our kids' behaviors it started well and went downhill. Things were fine until Wednesday, which is when we went to Daytona Lagoon for field trip. One of our new counselors, Justyn, apparently has known nothing of the trip schedule since camp has begun and thus knew nothing of us going on Daytona Lagoon. He didn't wear trunks to camp, but rather long pants and was sent home. So right off the bat we were below capacity. The kids were great on the bus and fairly behaved at the kids' zone. We faced an unexpected challenge from the lifeguards who decided for the first time EVER that our kids were not permitted to wear their camp shirts down the water slides. The kids had to remove their shirts and hold them tight down the slide, until they got off, at which point we had to flip them and help them put them back on. Not too difficult, but almost all of our kids went down each of the three slides probably at least twelve times each, so we were down there for a while. It was fun though, and after a bathroom break we headed home because the daily Florida thunderstorms had begun. As we headed back to wait for our bus driver, it began to downpour. So our poor kids had to walk a good five minutes in the rain to the bus before boarding, so we were all completely soaked and freezing for the ride home. At least it helped them fall right to sleep, though ;] 

Thursday was truly a difficult day. One of our other counselors left for a week and a half for Greece but didn't remind our site manager, and another counselor didn't come in until eleven. That left four counselors for five groups, each of which were pretty large at about fifteen or sixteen kids a piece. I took both groups, and the combination of the two left me at thirty kids to myself, which normally is not so hard but they just played off of each other and went absolutely crazy. On the playground, a child was stung by a wasp, but he was a trooper. We were also told that day that we couldn't take our kids to the movie room (our last rotation of the day) until five o'clock, which is two more rotations than we usually have. Our kids were exhausted by then and were really irritated to move around that much, but I tried to keep them relaxed by reading stories and visiting our computer room so they could still have fun. 

Friday came around and we finally got in the pool! After a two week hiatus I can say with certainty there was no better feeling in the world than soaking in the cool water in ninety degree heat. We had to rush to lunch shortly after returning, so some of the kids had to change their clothes after eating, but it all went pretty smoothly. We visited the computer room again after lunch, but this time instead of just playing on PBSkids.org, I taught them how to login, choose Safari and type in PBSkids all for themselves. Although they were totally bored and frustrated while it was happening, afterwards in the movie room I heard several of them bragging to other kids that they knew how to use the computer now. Next week's lesson: shutting them down! I love tiny victories like this, because when they get back to school in August it'll be one less skill they have to learn in a short amount of time. 

So that was my week! Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! B<3!

Flagler Schools Summer Camp Week 2!

Happy weekend everyone!

This week at summer camp was a blast. I was able to solely lead a few different groups this week as we had counselors out sick. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the different groups and am noticing specific sort of personalities in each group. For instance, the kids in the Blue group are very curious and quiet, whereas the Purple group kids are very active and love high-intensity play. It has really been a test of my skills to be able to relate to each group of kids and keep them engaged according to their interests.

This week our field trip was at camp, and it was a visiting animal show called the Tree of Life; the kids absolutely LOVED it. They showed us a tortoise, tarantula, a hen, a small gecko, a ferret, a ball python, and an Australian hedgehog. We shared the space with the 4-5 camp, and I was actually surprised that I had to ask those older kids to be quiet more often than our kindergarteners! All in all, though, everyone learned a lot about different types of animals and our kids were thrilled that they could touch most of the animals.

Before the show, we had some extra time while the instructors set up, so I led all of K-1 in a rendition of Jay's "Rare Bog, Rattlin' Bog" song and dance and they went NUTS. Two weeks later we still hear that song being sung in the rooms every now and again. I even was requested to repeat the whole song on Friday before our movie. I was really embarrassed at first but knew it would be a nice activity to keep our kids up and moving and entertained while we waited. The version I found online went from the hole in the bog to the tree's branches and limbs all the way down to a rash on a tick, haha! It was really successful and it made me really happy to be able to give that small nod back to Jay.

On Friday our pool time was cancelled due to a lack of communication between the pool managers and our supervisor, but we still made the most out of a great day. Our kids continued their prince/princess theme for the week by making paper crowns in art and magic wands out of pretzels and frosting. Not the healthiest, but they sure had fun! I also found out on Friday that I will be getting my own group come Monday morning due to an overflow of kids, so look forward to hearing about that!

Bonner Love, and comment below if you remember any camp songs or games that you loved as a kid; I'd love to share them with my kids and carry on camp traditions!

Monday, June 23, 2014

Rehboth Children's Home

Week 2

Hey gang!

In my second week at Rehoboth I was able to get to know the kids a lot better. They call me "Aunt Bella" and are a joy to be with (nearly) 100% of the time. Perhaps the biggest development this week was that I also served as a temporary house mom while Merida went home for a couple days. This left me in charge of Maria and Fernanda for the weekend. I was responsible for getting them to do their chores, clean their closets, take care of their pets, prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner....etc, etc, etc.......all in a timely fashion and while sticking to a strict schedule. Needless to say it was a busy couple of days but I was able to fit in some fun activities like making bracelets, watching movies, etc.

Below is a little video I put together so you guys could see some of the kids I've been working with:


These kids all have inspired me through their strength and positive attitudes despite coming from shady family backgrounds and bad home situations. Last time I visited during high school, Antoni had just arrived at rehoboth and his story  in particular stuck with me. Antoni and his sister  had been locked away in a room for their whole lives (for Toni this was 7 years and for his sister it was 12). Their parents left them alone all day each day for all those years, isolated from people, with no one to look after them, care for them, or feed them.

These kids had never learned to speak. Doctors and specialists told the directors of the orphanage that it was too late; that these kids would never ever be able to talk. But the directors of the orphanage where the brother was sent; armed with an unwavering determination and unselfish love, achieved what they called a “miracle” after a few months; although not perfectly, Antoni could speak. Coming back this time I was amazed at the progress that Antoni has made, he speaks perfectly and is energetic and makes jokes and has the most contagious laugh. He is the polar opposite of the boy I met all those years ago who kept to himself. The work being done at Rehoboth changes these kids' lives, and I feel honored to play even a small role in it.


Until later,

Bella

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Week 3: Fish Philosophy & Relationships

In our Bonner Training and Enrichment meetings during the school years, we discuss the importance of perspective, relationships, and much more in efforts to inspire one another to improve and intensify the impact that we make on our communities. Recall the Rita Pierson TED Talk video (link at bottom as a refresher :) ) on the vitality of relationships in learning experiences and the ability to succeed. Many more of you will probably remember the meeting led by Jo when he introduced his “fish philosophy." He showed us a video interview of the men working at Pike Place fish market in Seattle. Their shift in attitude from being unhappy with their job of selling fish to their seemingly boundless joy and humor in serving people (flying) fish was an inspiration to many of us. Each day and each task should be approached with the highest optimism and effort. The results from doing so will surprise anyone. Interaction between people runs our planet and it is when those interactions are positive and productive that the results are more astounding and beautiful than imaginable. 
So, I approach my service in this way and am able to do so by the contagious positivity of my fellow volunteers at IRMC. Each day, even each four hours (regular shifts at IRMC are four hours), I am serving alongside different people. The majority of the volunteers at IRMC are elderly, with several “TAVs,” or teenage volunteers, and even fewer college students in the mix, as well. I learn so much just being in their presence and speaking to them about their families, pasts, careers, current affairs, scientific breakthroughs, FIFA games, America's Got Talent episodes, and whatever else comes up! I share with them my plans for my future and what I’ve learned about current nutrition. We laugh, learn, and enjoy each other's company. Then the phone rings and we're off to discharge a patient or deliver a "super stat" specimen to the lab. That positivity transfers to our interactions with others and creates a welcoming, comforting environment for people who are disheartened about their own, or their loved one's, health.
Before last summer, I was not quite sure what serving at a hospital would be like, but it has been because of these relationships that I am able to flourish there and be a better help to others. I actually continue to realize how well relate with the elderly and will carry that on in my service work during the upcoming year. The volunteers and Maureen (the director of volunteer services), especially, have set example of how best to interact with patients, visitors, and staff. We face many different personalities and situations. In addition, each day, things at the hospital are changing. They’ve done a lot of restoration, have constructed additions, and have moved locations of departments within and even nearby the hospital within the past two years. It is still very much so in progress! But each day, we assist one another in adapting to changes. I do the same in helping to train any new volunteers that come to the hospital.
I’ve been trying to figure out how exactly to express the thrill I have in volunteering at Indian River Medical Center, so I have given you this reminder of the importance of positive relationships in hopes to spread my story of joy! And I’ve included a photo of me with just a few of the volunteers from this past week!

Lastly and on a side note, the data collection project for the Infectious Control Department that I perform with another college volunteer is going well. You know the science-minded: the more data the better! Eventually addressing this issue of below-satisfactory sanitary practices will make a large impact on improving the cross-contamination issue that is a problem in hospitals nationwide. As I mentioned previously, too many infections and illnesses, including MRSA, are transmitted in hospital settings. Being a "germophobe," and for good reason, I take this project seriously and am anxious to see some positive results by the end of the summer!

I hope you all are enjoying your service as much as I am!!! Best wishes and B-love.


Rita Pierson’s “Every Kid Needs A Champion” TED Talk:
http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion

Friday, June 20, 2014

Flagler Schools Summer Camp Week 1

Hi everyone! My SOS this year is heading back to my very first job I ever had, which is the same summer camp for kindergarten and first graders that I attended when I was younger. It's facilitated by the Flagler County Adult Education department (where the budget comes from) but is really overseen by our school board. Our kids pay to attend camp, but that covers field trips, home EC, art activities, pool trips every week, and to have counselors who have been checked out and can be held accountable. There are scholarships available, and free lunches provided. :) 

Much to my slight embarrassment, I showed up to camp Monday morning in a bright red outfit; shirt, shoes, backpack, the whole shebang because I was told I'd be the leader of the red group. Due to a communication error, I didn't receive a group. Needless to say, my little counselor heart was broken. With a brand new site-leader, the two most experienced counselors, myself and another named Cassie, became "floaters." This is a reference to pool inflatables, not poo. The funny thing is, our first summer together, Cassie and I were also floaters, so it was quite humbling to have the most experience and be put, in some regards, at the bottom of the hierarchy. 

However, and I believe Cassie will agree, we were seriously helpful to our two brand new counselors who received groups the first week. My partner, Justyn, has never worked with kids in his life. I see a lot of myself in him: I was sixteen and had no experience when I began, too. But I think I have him some great tools that first day, like helping to establish rules and order among his kids, and some great bonding activities. He had a great handle on his kids by Friday, and it made me really proud to see him step up and lead his kids instead of just being there. 

Our first field trip this week was to a bowling alley in Ormond Beach, and I must say, our kids did excellently! For many of them, this was their first time at a bowling alley, their first time on a school bus and their first time leaving Palm Coast. I was very proud of how well they listened and behaved on the bus, considering the fact that due to dreaded budget cuts they were sitting three to a seat (all with seat belts, not to worry). We were supposed to visit this really gorgeous park in Ormond that is all done up like a castle (it was huge!) but because of conflicts with another visiting camp, we decided to return home. Everyone got an ice pop back at camp, so it all worked out just fine! 

The kids as a whole this year are much more challenging in previous years; only a few of them are truly mean-spirited and don't know how to play with others, but the largest division would have to be what we playfully refer to as "space cadets." Usually kids who are babied at home and not taught structure and discipline, who come to camp and are so excited by it all that they're easily distracted and don't listen that well. I think most of our kids this year have never been to school before and thus need to have the rules reinforced more often, like being quiet in the hallways and how to sit properly at lunch. Just like we saw in Dr. Sapp's class, you can easily differentiate the kids who receive attention at home and those who don't. I try my hardest to be patient and overly attentive of the kids who don't, because I'm afraid of giving them another reason to want to misbehave or wanting to stay at home. 

In conclusion, I think my challenges this year are twofold: it seems that in addition to training our kids, I am also somewhat tasked with training our new counselors. Obviously we will all develop different styles, but I hope that I can help Justyn and Tayla, our other newbie, to become confident in dealing with any group of kids they're placed with, especially kids with whom they're unfamiliar. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Hope everyone has a wonderful summer and I'll keep you posted! 





Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Honor Baslim - Week 2

Hi friends,

So this may mean nothing to most people but I lunged my first horse EVER - which was a really freaking cool experience. Lunging is when you stand in the middle of a circle with a lunge line attached to the horses bridle (the leather straps on their head) and you use queue's - typically clucks, kisses, as well as words "trot", "whoa", "easy", etc. - to get the horse to do what you want - be it walk, trot, canter, stop, etc. So again, I stood in the middle of a circle with a thousand pound animal attached to a rope I was holding, running circles around me.


IT. WAS. AWESOME.

Now on a more service oriented note - one of our clients, we'll call him Tom, came in in quite the mood...
Tom

Spurs


Like pretty much EXACTLY like Donald above. I would figure Tom is probably about 4 or 5 years old, and he probably has some issues (like we all do) his are just a little more...lets say, loud, than the rest of ours. So we get him on Spurs (the horse) and he immediately tries to throw all 40 pounds he's got on to the ground. Therefore Tom needs two Sidewalkers to keep him firmly planted on the horse. For the first ten minutes of the lesson Tom screamed, cried, and tried to remove his helmet. Then something cool happened - while he was laying back on Spurs I asked him to sit up, he promptly said no, so I asked him for a high-five but told him he had to sit up to give it to me. I was genuinely surprised when he looked at me, and sat up and slapped my hand with his own sticky snot covered one. The rest of the lesson had a few more hiccups but for the most part he was actually engaged and I helped to keep him that way. It twas cool.

Will write again soon.


Bonner Love,
Honor

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Rehoboth Children's Home

Week 1

With my first week at Rehoboth coming to a close in what seemed like the blink of an eye, I figured I should probably start writing down some of the things that have happened so far while they’re still fresh in my mind.



lol I'm not funny.



First off, a little bit of background: The Rehoboth Children’s home is one of three “branches” of an organization founded by Victor and Chici Barbella. In addition to the home, the Barbellas founded a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center for men and a Christian Church. The Barbellas have known me since I was born and have remained good family friends throughout the years. Because of this relationship, I was able to visit Rehoboth during my Junior year in High School. This trip lasted only 10 days but the impact that the kids at the home made on me would ensure my return.

Fast forward a couple years and I found myself with the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the Barbellas and the kids at the home: Bonner SoS! After contacting Chici, she confirmed that my help was needed as a mentor in the girls’ home. Currently there are only two girls at the home: Maria & Fernanda. They are both 14 and OBSESSED with learning how  to waltz (Quinceañera is coming up). 


Initially, I moved into the girls’ home and was sharing a room with the house mom (who is awesome) but she pretty much had everything under control so on Wednesday I moved into the boys’ home.

This first week we have been figuring out my schedule… I wake up @ 7 when the kids leave for school. After I shower, make my bed and have breakfast, I start on some office work. This week we are preparing for a group that is coming from FL (hollaaaa) to spend time with the kids and take them shopping. I’ve also been working on a new website, translating the kids’ letters to their sponsors, showing the staff how to use the Microsoft Suite etc. Around noon I help prepare the dining hall for lunch. The kids come back around 12:30 and the rest of the day is spent serving meals, helping with clean up, doing homework, playing soccer, reading, playing games……..drinking lots of coffee…….overseeing chores and bath time and just generally having a blast with the little ones because they are sooooo cute.



 
My favorite activity so far is homework time because I feel like I’ve been able to make some real progress with some of the kids. It’s interesting to see the difference between the kids in Guatemala and the kids at Chisholm because they are refreshingly eager to learn. When I assign the kids multiplication or division practice they run off to do it and come back for more… I know I for one was definitely not that eager for homework as a kid….lololol but it’s something I definitely admire in them.

Anyway this is becoming perilously long but it’s just so hard to condense an entire week into a tiny blog post so bear with me :P

Until later Goonies,

Bella

Honor Baslim - Week 1

Hey everyone!

I hope everyone's Summer of Service are off to a great start - for those of you that I haven't already told I am doing my SoS with the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego. I started last Wednesday and I got to be honest it is hard work, I'm doing the same sort of thing that I did with my former service site Hope Reins with the therapeutic riding for disabled adults and children.

At this site though I have a lot more hands on experience then I did at my former site. This last week I spent a lot of time getting to know the therapy horses and fellow volunteers, as well as the different clients. My time is split between caring for the horses (tacking up for lessons, grooming, mucking stalls, feeding, etc.) and working with clients (side walking, leading, teaching tack, etc.).

I am looking forward to learning more and becoming more of a leader for this organization.

I'll write again soon!


Bonner Love,
Honor


PS - I'm acquiring a wicked farmers/sunglasses tan

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Week 2: Love & Respect

Another lesson that was further instilled in me from this successive week of service... always make everyone feel equally cared for and respected. This doesn't mean that there aren't moments when one has to be firm, but things always go more smoothly when the situation is approached in a pleasant and respectful manner. 

I mention these lessons as things that I have noticed throughout my learning process, that is life, as well as during my service at IRMC. These are qualities that I have seen in other volunteers whom I serve beside and qualities that I have grown to strengthen in myself. 

In the hospital, we often see patients who are, assumably, not financially stable, do not have their own transportation, have mental and/or emotional instabilities, and/or are not capable of fully caring for themselves, as they once were. These unfortunate factors are mainly due to age, financial status, or a combination of both. Nonetheless, these individuals are human beings who need extra care, rather than diminished care, and that is where the volunteers, in excess of the staff, come into play. 

Other volunteers and I have spent much extra time and energy with patients and visitors, making sure that they get the answers that they are looking for and get where they need to be on time. I greatly commend these individuals for fighting through whatever circumstances in which they may be, extending responsibility and emotional strength in order to carry on. The tasks to service these individuals are rarely ever too great - all it takes is a warm greeting to each person who walks in and out of the front entrance, an extra couple of phone calls to get the right information that will convenience and reassure the visitors from further stress, a respectful addressing to each individual so that they may feel equal as a human being, or an optimistic note to a disheartened perspective to give them an extra boost of care and encouragement. I have seen the impact that these simple actions have on the individuals around us. It gives people a sense of hope and love. And nothing is stronger than those.

Problems with the Blogs

Hey Everyone!

I haven't realized the complexity of the problem you all were having until today. I've had emails and comments about how the orange button that's suppose to let you add to the blog is gone in a lot of your dashboards.

I'll try to solve this problem for now please just write your prompts on a journal or a Microsoft word page.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

 sad face gif photo: The 11th Doctor's Sadness LOL-Doctor.gif

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

How to Guide to Blogging

Hello my beautiful Bonners!

Aniarka here to provide a step by step of...

(Drum roll please)

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"How to write and post your blog post to REFLECTIONS!"

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Please. Please. Hold your applause.

Step 1: The easiest way to start blogging is to have a gmail account. So I'll wait here for you until you finish making yourself an email with google. Your back? Awesome! Now on the right hand corner you will see a blue button that says Join this Site. Click on it and join in.

Step 2: Welcome you are now a member! The next page will be where you can now contribute to the blog. Click on the orange button with the pencil (or pen) on it and get ready to write! If your wondering what you need to write go to this link: http://stetsonbonner.pbworks.com/w/page/18250388/Summer%20of%20Service
Read the selections under the Summer Blog link.

Step 3: Once your done writing your experiences and feelings press the Publish button on the right corner of the screen.

Step 4: This step is only if you want to spice up your blog. First make a Photobucket account and write out your blog. If you want to add gifs or photos, Photobucket would be the best place to upload them and paste them to your post. There are a lot of gif dedicated websites filled with thousands of reactions you need to just find them.

If you need anymore help just reply to this post or email me.

Until then.

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