Hello! I hope the bag you received helps “brighten up the blah” a bit.
This video shows me making a lavender to add to your flowers. I thought you or someone with you in the hospital may enjoy making one too.
The “why” behind the bag you just received: When I was 9 I was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma and spent time in the rooms on the 10th floor of the hospital. It didn’t take long to realize these rooms are not designed with color in mind. So, not only was I feeling pretty blah, but the room itself was blah.
When it came time to think about my Girl Scout Silver Award, it was easy to identify a problem I wanted to solve in the community. I wanted to brighten up these rooms. Very quickly I discovered that repainting them wasn’t going to be an option. I realized that actually painting the walls doesn’t have to happen to make the rooms feel better. So, “Brighten up the Blah” was born. A way to add some color to the room, and help you know that others care about you!
Why pipe cleaner flowers? Well, neutropenia = no fresh flowers due to possible infection. So, making them out of pipe cleaners was a great way to add some flowers to the room.
Butterflies? They’re just fun! And, they can be tied to the IV pole, or anywhere else in the room you’d like to add a bit of color.
Notes? It’s always nice to be reminded we’re not alone. Having people take time to handwrite a note reminding you that you are loved seemed like a great idea.
Decorated bags? Why not? We’re trying to add some fun and brighten things up from the beginning.
I hope you enjoy adding to your flower vase, and that having a bit more color in the room brings a smile to your face.
I’m so thankful for my friends and family who helped create all the parts, to my community partners who donated the “vases”, friends who donated origami paper, and my Girl Scout Service Unit 644 who helped cover the cost of materials not donated.