Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/15/2022
MONSON – Patients at Baystate Children’s Hospital will feel the magic this holiday season after more than 250 LEGOs, brain games, books and other items are donated to the Child Life Department.
Baystate Children’s cares for infants all the way up to age 22. Seven-year-old Zeke Jaremczuk from Monson has received the hospital’s care for nearly eight months.
In April, Zeke was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. His mother, Samantha Jaremczuk, said, “When he was diagnosed it was the night before Easter.” After being admitted that night, Zeke woke up on Easter morning to a basket filled with goodies. Samantha shared that someone had snuck it in while he was sleeping “to make his morning a little more special.”
From April to October, Zeke spent 92 nights at Baystate Children’s Hospital while receiving chemotherapy. During that time, Samantha said the Child Life department would come in daily to see if Zeke was up for making slime, visiting the playset, creating a science project, among other options.
“They would always give him something to do when he was there,” she shared.
Oftentimes, the department would host themed days including a Hawaiian and construction day. When the event wrapped up, Samantha said children were able to choose a prize to bring home.
She recalled a time when Zeke – an avid stuffed animal lover – accidentally left one at home so the Child Life department gave him a new friend. “The Child Life department was awesome to us,” Samantha added.
After more than a dozen procedures that Zeke has gone through, he always receives a prize once it’s complete. Samantha noted that the department rewards each child and because of this, she realized that they are dependent on donations.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the hospital did not accept donations. Now that it is allowed, Samantha and Zeke decided to give back to Baystate and the children they help.
Through an Amazon wish list, Samantha added a variety of items that she thought children would like, while also receiving input from Amy Kimball of the Child Life department. Kimball provided Samantha with a list of items that are specifically needed, including infant supplies. Originally adding items to the wish list that were tailored to children around Zeke’s age, Samantha expanded the list to include everyone up to age 22. “I wanted to fill in that gap,” she said.
The day after Thanksgiving, the wish list, an explanation for the collection and a video of Zeke popping out in front of a Christmas tree was posted on Facebook. At the time, Samantha said she set a small goal in her head to collect 20 toys. However, as more posts were made and a TikTok video of Zeke went viral, that goal was quickly exceeded. At press time, Samantha said they had about 250 items and are expecting more.
Some of the items already collected include kinetic sand, painting and coloring books, silly putty, slinkies, board games and more.
While most people ordered items online, Samantha also offered to pick up items within a reasonable distance. She shared that she picked up items from three people in town and noted that there were quite a few online orders from Monson residents as well. “Monson has been great,” she said.
Due to shipping delays, the last day to order from the Amazon wishlist was Dec. 10. Samantha will pick up items until Dec. 17 because on Dec. 18, all items will be donated to Baystate Children’s Hospital.
Samantha said all the items will be put into a storage unit before being dispersed among the children for Christmas. Along with the toys, she noted that over 100 items will be used to make a goodie bag for each child. Some of the items to be added to the bags are teethers for infants, fidget spinners and Christmas stickers, to name a few.
After everyone receives a couple of items, anything extra will go back to the storage unit and be saved for post-procedures and so on.
“Baystate and the Child Life department need donations year-round – not just Christmas time,” said Samantha. She shared that while Zeke was receiving treatment, his younger brother Ezra came to visit him at the hospital. Together, Zeke and Kimball made Ezra a dessert and gave him a present. Whether a child is receiving chemotherapy or even comes in with a broken bone, Samantha said Baystate tries to make them, and their families feel as comfortable and special as possible.
Reminder Publishing asked Zeke how he felt to be helping other kids this Christmas. His response was a big smile and two thumbs up.
Samantha shared, “I feel great helping.” She expressed gratitude to those who have purchased items for the donation to be made.
Moving forward, she said, “I plan on doing more toy drives in the future.” Because donations are needed year-round, she is hoping to do “Christmas in July” to replenish the items next summer.
“[We] are happy to be able to help,” she concluded.