May 4, 2001

It was a week that featured a colorful assortment of facts, fun and formidable crowds. From Arthur the Aardvark to Lucky the Whale, MassGeneral Hospital for Children's Children and HealthCare Week had something for everyone.

The weeklong celebration, held April 24 to May 1, featured such events as an Art Fair — showcasing the art of children from across the state — and Hurt Alert Day. Presented by clinical staff nurses Julie Goldman, RN, and Susan Warchal, RN, Hurt Alert Day explored pediatric pain management strategies.

The week's highlight was the annual Health Fair April 26, which Mary Lou Kelleher, RN, pediatric clinical nurse specialist and organizer of Children and HealthCare Week, describes as "just terrific." MassGeneral Hospital for Children employees, community members and friends staffed more than 50 interactive booths and displays, offering visiting children a glimpse of topics ranging from surgical procedures to fire safety.

"The fair exceeded our greatest expectations," says Kelleher. "The booths seem to get better and better each year." Among the fair's guests were "Arthur the Aardvark" series creator Marc Brown and Lucky the Whale from the New England Aquarium.

Children and HealthCare Week culminated with a multidisciplinary pediatric Grand Rounds session May 1. Four members of the MGH Family Advisory Committee shared their experiences raising chronically ill children. "The parents who spoke were outstanding, and we've received wonderful feedback," says Kelleher. "It was a fitting end to a great week for the children and for all of us at the MGH."