Jacyia gets her wish

Jacyia Whitfield is one of those patients whom our staff members want to hang out with. At any given time, you will likely find at least one of them sitting on the edge of her bed discussing celebrity gossip or watching Food Network with her. She just has a special charisma that attracts people - even on days when she can barely walk or talk.

Most of the staff members she interacts with have known her for years, because her condition has made her a regular visitor to Children's since birth. Sometimes, she just comes in for a clinic visit. Other times, she stays for weeks on end. Now is one of those “other times,” and it couldn’t have been more inconveniently timed.

Her sisters, Monet and Chantel, had planned a massive party at home for her 21st birthday. In fact, it was going to be her first birthday party ever. Being admitted to the hospital derailed those plans and devastated Jacyia.

But what she didn’t see was staring at her from the foot of her bed. All those nurses, all those physicians, all those social workers, all those child life specialists who had spent years with her. When they found out she was discouraged about her canceled birthday party, they decided to throw a party of their own.

On Tuesday, July 28, Jacyia celebrated her birthday in style. The staff turned the hospital auditorium into her dream party room. There were virgin daiquiris, catered food, streamers, balloons, pictures of Betty Boop (her favorite cartoon) and a DJ. And all of the family and friends who were going to attend her birthday party at home joined in the celebration at the hospital.

Happy birthday, Jacyia!