Patients of Mott Children’s Hospital and their siblings created 103 angels to decorate the hospital’s large “Angel Tree,” offering hope and celebrating a favorite time of year for many children. Parents and siblings admired the creative angel ornaments at a gathering for the angel-makers and their families Dec. 13 at Mott.
The tree, begun in May, has taken more than six months to complete. Adrienne Rudolph, activity therapist, coordinated the project, which allows many of the hospital’s patients and siblings to express their creativity in a low-impact activity.
The ornaments range from angels of color and of holidays to medical angels, angels of emotions (love, hope, etc.), angels of animals, of foods, of sports and anything else of interest to the artist.
Every effort is made to let children be home for the holidays or to make sure their holiday period is as enjoyable as possible. Many well-wishers pay visits with toys and other surprises. Visits have been made or will be made this holiday season by members of the Detroit Red Wings and other athletic teams, an author from Sleeping Bear Press, pilots from Northwest Airlines and members of a local fire department. Activities include a “trip to the North Pole” (without leaving the ground) aboard a charter American Trans Air airplane at Detroit Metro Airport, and visits and computer chats with Santa. Strolling musicians and singers visit children who cannot leave their hospital rooms, and volunteers bring stuffed stockings. A holiday store is offered for children who wish to buy presents for their parents or siblings. The children use play money to purchase donated items. Photos by Marcia L. Ledford, U-M Photo Services
