Our Newest Program
Mentoring children who are lonely, lost and in pain: the BSR Mentoring Program is born, FLOC’s 17th program.
About a month ago, we received a call from the nurse care manager at Shriners. This lovely woman told us that they have kids coming in from third world countries for major operations. They spend their time either at the hospital, the Ronald McDonald house, or at a hotel. They hurt and have little to do. Many of them don’t speak English. We told this wonderful woman that we would do our best to find resources for these children.
The next day, we had an interview with a medical student from Boonshoft. Kyle told us that he and his fellow students would like to work with kids in need of mentoring and medical information. The Boonshoft Shriners Ronald McDonald Mentoring program, the BSR Mentoring program, came into existence that day.
Our first little lady coming into the new program is from Pakistan and only speaks Urdu. It also just so happened that Kyle’s friend, Omair, is fluent in Urdu. The week after our interview with Kyle, Maria, Mujeeba, Beth, FLOC’s President, Omair and Arshad met in our Book Nook, where they did a puzzle and laughed and talked in Urdu with our newest visitor.
The Bravest Smile
Next week, I’ll tell you about Somto, an eight year old whose endured multiple strenuous brain surgeries, performed by the incredible staff at Dayton Children’s and Shriners Hospital. These caring professionals offer the very best in medical care.
Here is a picture of Somto, whose warm smile has melted our hearts. His mentor, Isabella, makes this happen with every moment shared.
To see how strong these children can be amongst many grueling procedures gives great pause and clarifies the significance of the gift of sharing sunshine in a mass of clouds. It is bright, it is happy, it is most needed, and it gives us such pride and humility to be in these moments.
Next week we’ll be sharing Somto’s story in more depth!
A special thanks to those who support FLOC and our mission
We’re able to do this work thanks to donors and volunteers like you!
If you’d like to contribute to the resources that help children like Somto and our BSR Mentoring Program, please consider making a donation or check out other ways to help by visiting flocdaytonohio.org/how-to-help.
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