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Christy Campo is explaining to a 7-year-old cancer patient why his hair has fallen out, why he sometimes feels dizzy and sleepy, and why he gets sores in his mouth. She draws a picture, making sad faces on the sick white blood cells and bulging muscles on the healthy ones. Leukemia – in terms a child can understand.
A child life specialist at CHOC, Christy is one of 16 child life specialists who help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization. A key part of her job is explaining to CHOC's young patients what doctors and nurses will do to them, in language they will understand. She might tell a child, for example: "The brown soap might smell a little funny to you," or, "The blue rubber band will go around your arm and help the nurse see your veins really well." She tries to eliminate as many surprises as possible for her young patients. She is credited with an amazing ability to connect with children, on whom she has a peaceful, calming effect.
The Selman family can certainly attest to the positive effect Christy has had on their three-year-old daughter Chloe. When Chloe was first diagnosed with leukemia, nurses had to hold her down to draw blood and perform other procedures. According to Chloe's dad, "Chloe has a scream that can break glass." Now, the toddler bounces and giggles when she sees Christy, who will likely have "super miracle bubbles" on hand.
Whether it's blowing bubbles, role playing with the help of a doll, or playing video games, Christy finds a way to connect with CHOC's cancer patients and help make their disease and treatment a little less frightening. While the children may view what she does as "play," the families, doctors and nurses know how valuable Christy's role is to the health and well being of CHOC's patients.
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