Bring Joy in the Workplace at CMH

Walking into The Children’s Mercy Hospital lobby you are surrounded by color, whimsy and joy.

While visiting a Variety Child in the hospital, I was surprised to find that after leaving the lobby the feeling of whimsey  gave way to a sterile and cold feel.  I get it – this is a serious place, with highly skilled professionals practicing medicine – and they are the absolute best at what they do. But, it’s a little scary.  The pictures lining the walls on the patient floors were dated and disconnected… random pictures of cows…. florals… there were some photos of children, but not children with disabilities. Variety kids truly are an invisible population.

What if?  Yes, this was another “what if” opportunity. What if the halls featured the beauty of Variety KC Kids and all kids? What if patients saw kids just like themselves in fanciful beautiful photos like the inclusion photos taken for Variety by international award-winning photographer- Colleen Christi?

Her pictures of various Variety kids of all colors, abilities, and sizes truly celebrate each child’s uniqueness, their joy in life, and the positivity they radiate.  She captures the essence of inclusion!

If these pictures were updated then the halls of CMH would represent the kids they serve-and they serve the largest minority population, people with disabilities!  Most Variety KC Kids CMH for doctors’ appointments, therapy, testing, fitting for equipment, and often long medical stays.

Variety KC helps a Variety of kids with a Variety of special needs with a Variety of equipment and opportunities towards inclusion. Our kids need to be seen and celebrated.

Now, here is the happy ending. Dr. Ann Modrcin who is a tremendous physician at CMH and also a Variety BOD member loved the idea of updating the old images with bright fresh faces. These kids champion their special needs and differences….and this gives them true Super Powers!!

Dr Ann shared this dream with the new VP of Inclusion at CMH- Michele Wimmes. And Michelle jumped on the idea to kick off the “Joy in the Workplace” campaign. Let’s start with Dr. Ann’s clinic room which currently features a cow on the wall.)

Thank you to all who believe in positive change toward inclusion for all.  The more we see this minority population in our world the more it will become the new normal and people of all abilities will be welcomed and celebrated.

Change is coming!!  Stay Tuned!!