August 29, 2020: Adjusting to the "New Normal"

Everyone probably cringes at the term “new normal” these days. We just want the “old normal” back when times may not have been great, but at least we could go about our day to day lives without fear of catching or spreading what could be a deadly virus to those around us. The amazing staff at Children’s Minnesota feel the same way.

Recently, we had the opportunity to check in with our contacts at Children’s in Minneapolis. Due to COVID-19, they have had limited operations and are just now starting to get back to fully reopening for elective surgeries and other services to the community. Having to shut down has had tremendous impact on the community they serve. The services the hospital provides goes beyond the scope of medical care and allows families who do not have food or housing to be identified and connected to community programs that can help with these non-medical needs.

One of the big topics we discussed was how we at Andrew’s Bravery Box can better serve the patients, families, and staff at Children’s. Our hopes to expand within the Minneapolis location have been somewhat slowed by COVID, so we have been trying to find creative ways to continue to support our mission of Rewarding Bravery. Some things to look forward to include expanding to the PICU, a holiday gift shop for families to pick a toy, and providing items for a daily toy give away to every patient. All the while, we will continue to keep the bravery boxes full for those moments when kids just need a little extra reward for showing courage in the hospital.

One way we have adjusted to better serve families and patients is to put the call out for snacks and Coffee K-cups for bedside caregivers. Because of COVID restrictions, places like Ronald McDonald House can not serve families in the same way it has for years (our family included!). Family lounges in critical areas are off limits and visitors are limited to one parent. Those parents need support, too, and you answered our call to provide them with just a little bit of love and coffee! Thank you for that.

It is only with YOUR continued support that we can move forward. Thank you for continuing to help us pursue our mission of Rewarding Bravery!