The Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held its 1st Art Night at the Ronald McDonald House in Winfield on October 8, 2015. The young patients staying at this house are either being treated at Central DuPage hospital in Winfield or the Proton Center in Warrenville, IL.
The Geneva High School National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and their Art Teacher, Louise Grissinger, volunteered to represent and support the AAFH.
Pie Pumpkins were donated by Windy Acres Farm located in Geneva, IL and AAFH provided the paint and brushes for Painting the Pumpkin activity. The NAHS student volunteers helped the young patients who attended our event.
One young patient, Brody, had so much fun painting a pumpkin that he asked if he could paint more and completed 3 pumpkins! His excitement was contagious and had the volunteers smiling and laughing with him.
A young teen, Johnny, painted his pumpkin surrounded by girls and enjoyed their attention. Johnny felt comfortable talking about what he enjoyed doing and how he was looking forward to returning back home to St. Joseph, Michigan to play indoor soccer with his friends. Johnny is currently receiving radiation therapy at the Proton Center until November 21st. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the end of his sophomore year of high school.
Johnny also told us his friends are waiting for him to return and play in their band. He likes to play the piano, violin and drums. He borrowed the guitar donated by AAFH while staying at RMH. We shared information about Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope's Gift Request Program. Johnny said he was going to check out the website and our Gift Request program.
At the end of the Art Night, the NAHS students were given a tour of the RMH. They commented on the comfortable setting of the open living area, the welcoming kitchen and of course the great community room where we held the Art Night project. Everyone felt at home and want to volunteer for another Art Night again!
