Transforming Moments

Bradford’s Story

The Neighborhood Team

Tanya describes the TCU staff as “my extended family.” The family visits often and participate in monthly team conferences and Family Days, but

Tanya appreciates that she never worries about Bradford when she leaves.

“You want the best for your children,” remarked Tanya. “The TCU staff care for the children like their own.”

Bradford’s team includes physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, teachers and recreational therapists. A typical weekday includes attending school in the morning and early afternoon as well as receiving daily therapeutic play. On weekends, TCU residents receive therapeutic play through participation in one-on-one visits, group games and special events.

As part of his school day, Ellen Griggs-Drane, MM, MT-BC, Music Therapist with the Hospital Education Program, has been working with Bradford for four years. “When I first started working with him, I exposed him to a variety of music.”

By incorporating music into his educational program, playing live music with an upbeat tempo, and placing a wave drum under his right arm, Ellen noticed Bradford responded by playing with his elbow.  He’s been a drummer ever since, playing simple beats and other rhythms in his individual and group music therapy sessions.

“When he plays the drums or is listening to music, he just comes alive,” said Ellen. “His whole face lights up.”

Because Bradford responds well to auditory stimulation, including voices, sound effects from games and music, Vernita Easley, CTRS, Recreation Therapy Manager and Bradford’s therapist, said he enjoys going on outings to the movies, musical events and outdoor activities. He shows his excitement by smiling, vocalizing or moving his arms or entire body. Bradford is also a member of the TCU Rollers, the hospital’s bowling team, an activity Tanya calls “one of the loudest things you can do.”

Group Support

Two years ago Bradford’s family spoke to the Capital Area Health Advisory Council as part of Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s Certificate of Need process to gain approval to expand the TCU. They talked about how the TCU has helped their family and how many other families have the same need.

“When you have a child like Bradford,” said Tanya, “you’re in your own world. When you first get into it, you think you’re the only one. It can be a miserable world when you don’t know what to do or where to go.”

Through support groups, monthly dinners and other TCU events, the family has met other families and learned they’re not alone.

“A place like this is just wonderful,” said Tanya. “You don’t have to do it by yourself.”

Phase II of the three-phase TCU expansion project is currently underway to renovate 15 resident bed spaces and additional staff support space. Phase II is scheduled to run through April 2008, and the entire project is expected to be complete in the fall 2008. The expanded TCU will include one isolation room, 20 double rooms and two triple rooms. New residents will begin moving in during summer 2008.

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