On Monday, October 28, 2019, the Alyssa Alvin Foundation for Hope (AAFH) held an Art Night and delivered Alyssa Starter Art Kits (SAKs) at the RMH near the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. For the second time this season, the Art Night had a Halloween/Day of the Dead theme with pumpkins and skulls to paint and color.
AAFH also made a donation of 25 Alyssa Starter Art Kits of various types including journal, drawing and painting kits. The House Managers at RMH, Alexis and Don, accepted the kits. They also told us a little bit about the restoration that had taken place at the House after serious water damage occurred in the building last year.
Perhaps it was because they had recently re-opened, there were very few young people around that evening. We did meet a few parents who were able to take an Alyssa SAK on behalf of their child or a skull and some markers to decorate with them later.
We also had the opportunity to simply talk with and share stories with some of the parents who were around the kitchen…it was a worthwhile experience.
Most importantly, we know that the art kits will soon end up in the hands of a child who is being treated for a life-threatening illness and that they will find some joy and relief in the use of their own creative skills. On these quieter event nights, we reflect even more on Alyssa’s legacy of love and sharing.
