"Queen" of the Jungle

Hospitals can be great places of healing, but they can also be quite intimidating, even frightening, when you are just 6 years old.

It’s easier when you’re not 6.

Easier to understand the process of what’s happening with you and to you, and why all these people in white coats and “pajama” looking clothing of different colors keep coming into your room at all hours.

Lilliana Watson of Bridgeville, Del. is 6.

She understands that apprehension perfectly and at a level none of us ever will again.

We’re not 6 anymore.

As a guest of ours in TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s Pediatric Unit since Apr. 15, she’s one tough young lady. However, even the bravest of us, regardless of age, can always use a friend by our side.

Her Mom, Heather, was there when we visited Thursday, but so was LyLy a giant, impossible to miss stuffed lion; “Queen” of the Jungle whose den is now Lilliana’s room.

Yes, you read that correctly, LyLy is an animal kingdom first as Lilliana assures us, she’s officially a girl lion.

LyLy is a source of comfort, and unlike her cowardly counterpart in the Wizard of Oz, she’s an extension of Lilliana’s courage, protecting her, day and night, and making her feel safe.

What’s also cool about this story is that LyLy’s previous home was in Brooke’s Toy Closet. That was until the Pediatric nursing team—on hallway safari—spotted her and placed her on Lilliana’s bed before she arrived from the Emergency Department.  

Brooke’s Toy Closet is a program at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke that provides new toys to children in the Emergency Departments and Pediatric Units that the kids get to keep and take home upon discharge.

The program was created by and named in honor of Brooke Mulford, a young girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in 2009 at the tender age of 4-years-old.

After a valiant battle, she passed away in June 2017 but not before her vision became a reality to give toys to kids in the hospital to make their time there a little easier.

Lilliana’s mom, Heather, understands very passionately Brooke’s mission.

“This program is amazing and absolutely wonderful,” said Heather. “When we came to the Emergency Department earlier this week, we were not expecting to stay. We didn’t bring any of Lilliana’s toys, but having LyLy is like a little piece of her home is here with her. It’s someone to cuddle with and a good friend at a time she really needs one.”

Lilliana is on the mend and will hopefully be leaving for home soon with LyLy where they both will continue her recovery.

However, there will be more Lilliana’s to follow—probably as early as today—who will be looking for their own LyLy; be that a stuffed animal, a toy car, doll, coloring book or whatever helps to put them at ease.

You can help make their stay friendlier.

To learn more and arrange a donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet, visit the TidalHealth Foundation's page or contact them at [email protected] or 410-543-7140.