Connecticut State Police is making sure the season is a little brighter for sick kids at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Former patient Jordan O’Linn still has the teddy bear she received while being treated for a case of severe pneumonia when she was just 7 years old.
“A Connecticut state trooper delivered him, a Connecticut Children’s Medical Center technician gave him, and every night for nearly eight years I’ve slept with him,” O’Linn said.
“It was an amazing moment at that time because we we’re trying everything we could to make her comfortable,” said her mother, Danielle O’Linn.
On Tuesday State Police wheeled in toys to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center by the stretcher. From stuffed animals to dolls, it’s all from their 22nd annual Stuff a Cruiser event. It was the largest donation to date.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Lt. Daniel Loughman, of Connecticut State Police. “It’s good to bring all the toys in here because we know we’re going to make a lot children happy.”
Troopers went from room to room visiting children like 9-year-old Amarey Brookshire, who’s dealing with a sickle cell crisis.
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“She doesn’t feel well enough to go to the playroom, so for someone to acknowledge that she’s here, acknowledge that she’s sick, and acknowledge that Christmas is here — I think it’s absolutely amazing,” said Amaryllis Brookshire.
Doctors here know healing is about more than just medicine.
“Our emergency department sees over 60,000 patients each year, and because of the state police toy drive, children will receive a toy that serves as a welcome distraction,” said Dr. John Brancato, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center physician.
