May 5, 2006

Exercise, the helipad and a Patriot: Take Our Children to Work Day highlights

Bob Gallagher of MGH Buildings and Grounds has a young daughter, Stacey, who couldn't wait for her birthday this year so she would finally be old enough to come to the MGH with her dad for Take Our Children to Work Day. Stacey was one of 360 children who had the opportunity to see firsthand what it is like to work at a major teaching hospital at the daylong event April 28, sponsored by MGH Human Resources (HR).

The kids embarked on tours of the hospital that took them back in time to discover the history of the MGH and included a trip to the helipad on Ellison 16 and a visit to MGH Police and Security's dispatch center. They also participated in activities such as a presentation about Internet safety by a member of MGH Police and Security, exercise sessions led by Be Fit trainers from The Clubs at Charles River Park and tours of the Children's Health Fair under the Bulfinch Tent. In the late afternoon, they viewed the Partners-produced movie Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France, which showcases the workings of the human brain. MGH neuropathologist Matthew Frosch, MD, who advised the filmmaking team, introduced the film and answered questions.

The highlight of the day was a surprise visit from New England Patriots offensive linebacker Stephen Neal, who posed for pictures and signed autographs for kids participating in both Take Our Children to Work Day and the Children's Health Fair (above). After the action-packed day, the kids took home MGH book bags, t-shirts and other fun giveaways.