By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The goal of "Courageous Kids" is to help reduce the anxiety that frightened children often experience when undergoing medical treatment.
That's why Tyler Hummer of Niles wanted to step in and help by donating four child-sized Hummers for patients at the pediatrics unit at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and the Center for Outpatient Services in St. Joseph and Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles.
Two Hummers have arrived at Lakeland-Niles and it was easy to see why the mini black and yellow machines could easily clear a child's mind before heading in for their procedure.
Debra Johnson, Pediatrics Supervisor at Lakeland in St. Joseph said the hospitals are very excited about the Hummers.
"This will take their minds off things. The children will be able to drive themselves to surgery, which will hopefully leave a lot of the anxiety behind," Johnson said.
She added that the children will be supervised while driving themselves and they must wear their seatbelts.
Lakeland in St. Joseph has not received their Hummers yet, but Johnson said as soon as they arrive, they will begin using them.
Environmental engineer for General Motors David Burroughs, came up with the idea for "Courageous Kids" after becoming familiar with diversion therapy, a strategy often used at children's hospitals when pets are brought in to visit patients as the animals have a known therapeutic effect. Other hospitals often use other rides, including wagons and golf carts, to help distract children from worries about their medical procedures. Burroughs thought the idea of a Hummer ride would be a great diversion for the children.
Michelle Seymour, President of the Lakeland Health Foundation, said Scott Tyler first contacted her about the Hummers. "He told me he wanted to do this as a gift. Of course we were quick to accept the offer. It's such a great gift and we are pleased we can offer them to our young patients," Seymour said.
Scott Tyler said the goal of the Hummers is to reduce the anxiety for the children. "A gurney ride stinks, but riding in a Hummer is fun. This may reduce the anxiety for parents, too," he said.
Tyler was joined by Tim Tyler and Chris Tyler, who all helped in making this possible.
"This was definitely a nice surprise. We originally thought we were only getting two total, but to find out we have two at every location, that was just a great surprise," Seymour added.