Article written by Bonnie Loesch, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
FLOC has been enhancing the lives of children and families in the Dayton area for many years and now they are serving families across the globe. They have recently partnered with The Boonshoft School of Medicine, Shriner’s Hospital, and The Ronald McDonald House creating what has now become the BSR program. This program evolved beautifully by chance. Shriners Hospital contacted Beth Mann, President of the board for FLOC, in July of 2023 inquiring if there was a way for FLOC to support families traveling to the Dayton area for specialized pediatric surgeries from other countries. At that time, she wasn’t quite sure how she could best support this cause. Only two days later, she received another call from two local medical students, Kyle Hua and Omair Khan, asking for volunteer opportunities with the organization. This was the spark that fueled the fire for this magnificent union and amazing program.
Children with complex surgical needs around the world, from North America to the most remote areas of distant countries, are chosen by Shriners Hospital for treatment at Dayton Children’s. Regardless of their ability to pay, patients travel here to receive top-of -the-line treatment. The children and their families are housed at the Ronald McDonald house while they, at times, undergo multiple surgeries, as well as recover and attend follow up appointments. Oftentimes, they are non-English speaking, which can feel very isolating. One can only imagine how overwhelming it could be to travel to a foreign country, under the stressful conditions of your child undergoing extensive surgeries, and not have a support system. This is where the BSR program significantly makes a difference in the lives of those involved.
FLOC provides a safe, caring atmosphere for the children to come twice a week to relax and have fun away from the hospital. Countless first and second-year medical students from Boonshoft School of Medicine lovingly donate their time to mentor, tutor, and play with the children. Omair Khan, medical student volunteer, expresses his view on the BSR program by stating, “I love seeing the confidence build in the children as they are surrounded in a judgement-free environment.” This support is immeasurable, as it allows these kids to focus on being a kid, not just a patient.
One remarkable example of the blessings of the BSR program involve a child from Guatemala, who was in an accident that caused excessive burns to 95% of her body. Her local hospital contacted Shriners Hospital and she was selected in the summer of 2023 to come to Dayton Children’s for treatment. Her mother reflects on their experience with FLOC by saying, “Everyone has embraced us with love, care, generosity, support, and hugs. Still to this day they support me in many ways. I feel they are with us through the good and the bad, giving us unconditional love always. The mentors dedicate their time to the children whether through playing or learning. They provide as much emotional support as physical.”
Healing does not only involve the physical aspects of recovery, but complete mind and spirit restoration requires love, care, and genuine interest in meeting the individual needs of these special children. The way that FLOC and the BSR program nurture and support the underserved population is irreplaceable!
