Kids tell us that when they first heard that they had to come to the hospital they had one thing on their mind – "What will it be like?" It’s normal to feel nervous about coming to a new place because it is hard to know what to expect since you have never been here.
Here are a few things you can know for sure:
- The hospital may look big from the outside but there will be someone to show you around; you will learn it yourself in no time. There are places that look like doctor's offices where you will meet your doctors and nurses and there are also play rooms with toys and activities.
- There will be people that know you are coming to the hospital and will be here to meet you and let you know how they can help you. They are going to figure out what is making your body sick and start to give you medicine. They will be able to answer your questions you may have about the hospital or your body in a way you can understand.
- Another thing that you can count on is that there are other kids, like you, here that you will be able to meet.
What should I bring to the hospital?
We want you to know that you can bring things from home that are special to you to the hospital (as long as you can fit them in your suitcase!). If you aren't able to pack certain things or you forget something, don't worry. We have a supply of games, toys, puzzles, arts and crafts, GameBoys and games, CD players, CDs, DVDs, etc., that you can borrow and use.
- Favorite movies
- Favorite toys that can fit into your bag
- Games and activities you like to do at home (crafts, card games, Gameboy and games, puzzles, books, game system, ipods/MP3, CDs, portable DVD player for waiting rooms etc.)
- Pictures of your family, friends, house, your room, your pets, and pictures of you doing fun things.
- Favorite blanket, pillow or security item that you can’t go anywhere without.
- Regular clothes and favorite PJs (some kids even like to bring a bathing suit incase they have to take a close up picture of the part of their body that is sick).
What is there to do in Memphis when I'm not at St. Jude?
In between appointments, St. Jude patients and their families often like to visit fun places, such as the Memphis Zoo, The Pink Palace, The Children’s Museum, Graceland, and many others. Check with the friendly people in Patient Services because they have a list of all the places that have special discounts for you and your family.