Seattle Children's Hospital Creates "Cat Immersion Project" For Cancer Patient

This brought a tear to my eye, specifically because sometimes we forget the little things in life. We get caught up in our daily lives, pretty healthy, and forget to stop and appreciate life from time to time. We take things we see daily for granted and when we are in perfect health, we are rarely thankful for it. Not because we aren't thankful of course... but we just don't think about it.

This is one of those stories that just made me stop and think about what I take for granted and how good I have it, even when it seems less than perfect.

Here is the story....

Seattle Children's Hospital called on its Facebook fans to help improve the stay of a teen girl battling cancer - with the help of cats.
Seattle Children's Hospital's cancer unit shows they are "Stronger"

On July 19, Seattle Children's Hospital posted on its Facebook page asking for help with a special project for Maga Barzallo Sockemtickem, a 16-year-old who has cancer. Maga can't leave her hospital room because of her compromised immune system and what she misses most is her cat, Merry.

So staff members at the hospital decided to make her feel more at home and set out to create a special project to bring "virtual" cats to Maga's room.

"Help us make Maga's day - post your favorite cat photos to our wall!" the hospital wrote over a picture of Maga (pictured above).

Here is the video of her reaction... Grab your tissue. I was grinning from ear to ear, and tearing up at the same time.

Facebook fans of Seattle Children's Hospital submitted more than 3,000 pictures of their cats along with well wishes. With more photos than expected, hospital workers got to work on the "Cat Immersion Project," using recorded purring sounds, sheets and a projector to create a "virtual cat cocoon" for Maga.
"I can't tell you how it feels sometimes, feeling disconnected and cut off from the world, and then with something like cat pictures bringing me back," said Maga, according to the hospital's On the Pulse blog. "Thank you all for your kind words, and well wishing. Its means more then you can ever know."

Maga had previously spent more than seven months at the hospital in 2011 while waiting for a compatible bone marrow donor, eventually getting at transplant. But she had to come back to the hospital in July for post-transplant treatment, where she's been away from nearly a month. According to On the Pulse, many cancer patients at Seattle Children's Hospital are sometimes there for months at a time when undergoing treatment.

No telling how much this new "Cat Immersion Project" helped this girl mentally. I love seeing stuff like this.

Link here: www.cbsnews.com...

A very touching and heart warming story.
Thank you OP.

It's probably a good thing I didn't send in pic of my avatar.

Touching story OP. I have a feeling being 'immersed' in cute cat pictures will definitely do this young lady some good. I really hope she beats this thing. Cancer is an evil bitch.

reply to post by Domo1


there have been numerous studies that suggest just that. Attitude is all.

Originally posted by crazydaisy
A very touching and heart warming story.
Thank you OP.

You are welcome. I figured if you saw it you would like it. I thought it was just awesome myself!

Originally posted by Domo1
It's probably a good thing I didn't send in pic of my avatar.

Touching story OP. I have a feeling being 'immersed' in cute cat pictures will definitely do this young lady some good. I really hope she beats this thing. Cancer is an evil bitch.

I don't know Domo, at 16 she probably would have been able to appreciate it. I think it probably did more good than most can know. The look on her face said it all. There for a bit, it was like she didn't think about anything at all but the pure enjoyment of what she was experiencing. I hope and pray she beats it as well. Cancer is indeed EXACTLY what you called it.

Originally posted by seagull
reply to post by Domo1

 

there have been numerous studies that suggest just that. Attitude is all.

I have to agree with you. I think she got an awesome boost mentally from this and that makes it worth it a million times over.

Why can't they bring her a real kitty?

I've spent a lot of time in the hospital, it can be a lot of different feelings, unexplainable. I feel for her I really do.
I'm praying beyond my control right now.

She needs Puppies too. Flowers. HD pictures of the Ocean and Caribbean, The Moon, Sunrise/Sunset..

God..

Human beings can be beautiful creatures. Posts like this prove it all the time. Thanks for bringing this to us op.

I love this. Just love it. Love it! Love it!

You made my day!

I also love Seattle.

Wow. And cats!

LOL, I'm beginning to sound like the double rainbow guy - I'll leave now.

HUGE THANKS and a S&F!

peace

I know what its like to be in the hospital for long lengths of time and you do feel disconnected and cut off from the world and its depressing..
The Cat Immersion Project was a wonderful idea I'm sure it lifted Maga's spirits and let her know people care and connect to the world..Thank you for this thread op it sure made me smile! peace,sugarcookie1

Originally posted by yourmaker
Why can't they bring her a real kitty?

I've spent a lot of time in the hospital, it can be a lot of different feelings, unexplainable. I feel for her I really do.
I'm praying beyond my control right now.

She needs Puppies too. Flowers. HD pictures of the Ocean and Caribbean, The Moon, Sunrise/Sunset..

God..

Cats can carry certain diseases. While it is uncommon to contract a disease from owning a cat in the patient's state it is not advisable to be around any animal. They are using immune-suppression drugs on the girl and she is at a higher risk of illness due to that.
www.cdc.gov...

Luckily she wasn't in a catatonic state before she was shown this show of support or it would have been a catastrophe! The idea worked purrfectly!

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe


When I read the title of the thread, I thought some sadistic SOBs were dunking cats in water to treat cancer patients somehow.

This is much better. I feel for that poor girl missing her cat. I'm sure her cat is missing her too and I hope they can be reunited soon.

Its good that they are doing everything they can to keep her spirits up. The medical community often underestimates the effect of the spirit on healing. A positive attitude is sometimes more important than all the medical technology in the world.
People who give up on life often cannot be saved no matter how much treatment they receive.

S&F, Kangareux. I almost didn't open the thread because I was afraid they were doing some sort of experiment that involved dunking cats in water. I'm happy to see such a great story, instead. And, it didn't escape my notice that your first two responders were our feline friends, CrazyDaisy and Domo. I love the ATS cat people.

Originally posted by FortAnthem
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

When I read the title of the thread, I thought some sadistic SOBs were dunking cats in water to treat cancer patients somehow.

Heehee, Fort

Jinx!

reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe


The fact that there are some medical workers (nurses, doctors, etc.) in a few Hospitals that still care does raise my spirits a little bit, but it still does not excuse all the junk they put in our food and drinking water, as well as any vaccinations that may be mandatory (and sadly enough, linked to infant mortality rates exponentially rising). How is it, than in our so-called "pinnacle of evolution", cancer rates in children are actually increasing each year, all the while, the news is handing you pipe dreams about cancer cures in the next 15 years. I have seen considerable evidence to the fact that we may have already cured cancer, but the cure would cut into Big Pharma's profits too much. If you have kids or know anyone that does, make sure you keep them away from "soft-drinks," which are basically toxic waste with a lot of salt and sugar which makes you constantly want more. Ever noticed how pop makes you more thirsty these days? That's just one little part of the nastiness that is industrial food and drink. Don't even get me started on McDonald's, either. Ever seen Super Size Me? Absolutely disgusting. The guy's skin even started turning yellow (indicative of liver failure) after only about 2 weeks of eating nothing but CrapDonalds.

Originally posted by yourmaker
Why can't they bring her a real kitty?

I've spent a lot of time in the hospital, it can be a lot of different feelings, unexplainable. I feel for her I really do.
I'm praying beyond my control right now.

She needs Puppies too. Flowers. HD pictures of the Ocean and Caribbean, The Moon, Sunrise/Sunset..

God..

I would imagine that the poor girl's immune system wouldn't be able to cope with possible allergens contained within a cat's fur,which is a great shame,as cats can be a source of immense comfort.

Originally posted by yourmaker
Why can't they bring her a real kitty?

I've spent a lot of time in the hospital, it can be a lot of different feelings, unexplainable. I feel for her I really do.
I'm praying beyond my control right now.

She needs Puppies too. Flowers. HD pictures of the Ocean and Caribbean, The Moon, Sunrise/Sunset..

God..

It would be nice if they could do that. Being in the hospital sucks bad. The longest I pulled was 8 days and I cried every day I didn't get to go home. I can't imagine being in there that long.

I think the fact that it is a hospital with other sick folks with weakened immune systems is why they couldn't bring the real thing in. My husband is so allergic to cats his throat starts swelling shut in a matter of seconds if he comes into contact with any cat or cat hair. This mean shedded hair as well. The cat can be long gone and if it left a hair...he feels it. He carries an epi pen for it, it is so serious and others there may have similar issue.

And I agree....She needs all the beautiful things she can lay her eyes on. Cancer is tragic when it happens to older folks. It is heartbreaking to the extreme when it is a child who hasn't even begun to live yet.

Originally posted by stonebutterfly
Human beings can be beautiful creatures. Posts like this prove it all the time. Thanks for bringing this to us op.

Indeed they can. We see nothing but negative news 99% of the time...so we lose faith in humanity on occasion IMO. This restores a bit of that for me and I am glad to see that others here liked it just as much as I did.

Originally posted by silo13
I love this. Just love it. Love it! Love it!

You made my day!

I also love Seattle.

Wow. And cats!

LOL, I'm beginning to sound like the double rainbow guy - I'll leave now.

HUGE THANKS and a S&F!

peace

You are more than welcome! I did not expect so many to watch it and I am heartened to see I was wrong. And this is a double rainbow guy type thread so you can channel him all you like.

Originally posted by sugarcookie1
I know what its like to be in the hospital for long lengths of time and you do feel disconnected and cut off from the world and its depressing..
The Cat Immersion Project was a wonderful idea I'm sure it lifted Maga's spirits and let her know people care and connect to the world..Thank you for this thread op it sure made me smile! peace,sugarcookie1

I am sorry to hear that Sugarcookie, but believe it or not...I recall having that conversation with you back when I first joined and I know you have spent more than your fair share in hospitals. I hate anyone has to do that, and hope it is going as good as it can for you right now. If I could type *hugs* to you without feeling corny...I definitely would. I am glad that it at least made you smile for a few minutes. It surely makes me do the same thing seeing that you all were touched by it.

Originally posted by Sounds_of_Silence
Luckily she wasn't in a catatonic state before she was shown this show of support or it would have been a catastrophe! The idea worked purrfectly!

Nice! :p I had to acknowledge the play on words even if it didn't require a reply.

Originally posted by FortAnthem
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

When I read the title of the thread, I thought some sadistic SOBs were dunking cats in water to treat cancer patients somehow.

This is much better. I feel for that poor girl missing her cat. I'm sure her cat is missing her too and I hope they can be reunited soon.

Its good that they are doing everything they can to keep her spirits up. The medical community often underestimates the effect of the spirit on healing. A positive attitude is sometimes more important than all the medical technology in the world.
People who give up on life often cannot be saved no matter how much treatment they receive.

I agree with you and all the others about the mental aspect. I think things like this can restore a stronger will to survive and give renewed energy to fight a bit longer. I think when one gives up mentally then there won't be much success with treatment for almost anything. I am glad you liked it!

Originally posted by graceunderpressure
S&F, Kangareux. I almost didn't open the thread because I was afraid they were doing some sort of experiment that involved dunking cats in water. I'm happy to see such a great story, instead. And, it didn't escape my notice that your first two responders were our feline friends, CrazyDaisy and Domo.

I love the ATS cat people.

I didn't even realize how it sounded until you and FortAnthem bought it up! Now that you did...I can't get the picture out of my head!

I wasn't surprised when they showed up here either! I am always glad to see my "share a funny photo" buddies show up. You really know how much cat love there is when you spend a few minutes there! I am glad you liked it as well.

Originally posted by xXxinfidelxXx
reply to post by Kangaruex4Ewe

 

The fact that there are some medical workers (nurses, doctors, etc.) in a few Hospitals that still care does raise my spirits a little bit, but it still does not excuse all the junk they put in our food and drinking water, as well as any vaccinations that may be mandatory (and sadly enough, linked to infant mortality rates exponentially rising). How is it, than in our so-called "pinnacle of evolution", cancer rates in children are actually increasing each year, all the while, the news is handing you pipe dreams about cancer cures in the next 15 years. I have seen considerable evidence to the fact that we may have already cured cancer, but the cure would cut into Big Pharma's profits too much. If you have kids or know anyone that does, make sure you keep them away from "soft-drinks," which are basically toxic waste with a lot of salt and sugar which makes you constantly want more. Ever noticed how pop makes you more thirsty these days? That's just one little part of the nastiness that is industrial food and drink. Don't even get me started on McDonald's, either. Ever seen Super Size Me? Absolutely disgusting. The guy's skin even started turning yellow (indicative of liver failure) after only about 2 weeks of eating nothing but CrapDonalds.

I can't really do anything with your post besides star you and give you a thumbs I pretty much agree with the whole thing. It's a sad state of affairs for sure when you look at it like that.

Just lost my aunt who died from brain/lung/bone cancer. She chose to die at home. All throughout her fight, she had a dog she had rescued, and when the dog came to live with her, he stuck by her and barely spent time with the other family members. He spent many hours playing with her, sleeping with her, etc. The night that her life was coming to an end, the dog stayed on the bed beside her, not leaving her. After she took her last breaths he knew she was gone, and got up and went outside. The family said that this dog kept her going. The doctor gave her 3 months, but she lived for a year.

This project is absolutely beautiful. I have no words, but it brings my heart joy to see. I hope this girl beats her cancer and finds comfort and joy in these images for some time to come.

Originally posted by Starchildren
Just lost my aunt who died from brain/lung/bone cancer. She chose to die at home. All throughout her fight, she had a dog she had rescued, and when the dog came to live with her, he stuck by her and barely spent time with the other family members. He spent many hours playing with her, sleeping with her, etc. The night that her life was coming to an end, the dog stayed on the bed beside her, not leaving her. After she took her last breaths he knew she was gone, and got up and went outside. The family said that this dog kept her going. The doctor gave her 3 months, but she lived for a year.

This project is absolutely beautiful. I have no words, but it brings my heart joy to see. I hope this girl beats her cancer and finds comfort and joy in these images for some time to come.

First I would like to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I don't think there is a person alive whose life has not been affected by such an awful disease. The 2 syllable word strikes fear into the strongest of us. So I am terribly sorry that it has hit so close to you.

I also believe animals are the best judges of character, and judging from your post...your aunt must have had honorable, strong character in spades!!

I know we don't know each other from Adam, but if you ever need to talk just drop me a U2U. I am glad you liked and so many others enjoyed this so much.