News

Who better to teach you about an issue than those living with it? That's the premise behind "My Life, My Illness."

This award-winning video project is a cooperative effort of All Children's Child Life and Creative Services Departments. It serves as a tool to help pediatric physicians and nurses in training develop more effective communication skills by understanding what it's like to be a child with a chronic or life-threatening illness.

In the 47-minute video, a diverse group of patients talk to Child Life specialists about their experience with illness, coping with bad news, and communicating with physicians and nurses during hospitalization. Their thought-provoking candor has become part of the educational experience for pediatric resident physicians and nurses in the hospital's RN Residency program.

Watch Selections from "My Life, My Illness"

In this Playlist:

Chapter 1 - A New Hope
This poem by the late Mattie J. T. Stepanek sets the tone for the ensuing patient interviews. It is read by Chanel, an All Children's dialysis patient.

Chapter 2 - Alyssa
Alyssa has been through multiple surgeries to address colitis and Crohn's Disease.

Chapter 3 - Chanel
Chanel is a teen dealing with kidney failure and the dialysis treatments needed to keep her alive.

Chapter 4 - Jackie
Jackie spent her teen years battling Hodgkin's Lymphoma and leukemia.

Chapter 5 - Kincade
Kincade was born with cystic fibrosis and has been hospitalized many times for problems with his lungs and digestive system.