By Kimberly Paulk, SHARECharlotte.com, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits.
I need my children to know that life is beautiful in the face of adversity and, no matter what, we get up. – Trish Rohr
The story of Rohr Rockstars and its founder Trish Rohr are inexorably linked. Trish is a teacher by profession, with a unique and personal understanding of the impact that a frightening medical diagnosis can have on a family (you can read her story here).
The sum of her experiences led her to create a nonprofit dedicated to serving chronically ill students – a surprisingly underserved group of kids. Schools and healthcare organizations focus on transitioning kids back into the classroom after an extended medical absence. But after more than four years working with student-patients Trish and her team know the academic, emotional and social needs of chronically ill students are highly complex, starting long before and continuing well beyond a student’s return to school.
The impact of a chronic illness certainly includes academic difficulties, but can also include sometimes unexpected effects on cognitive abilities and even social isolation. In fact, children facing an extended illness are twice as likely to consider suicide and 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide.
Trish and her team, led by executive director Martha Anne Krisko, have a goal to stay with kids from diagnosis through treatment and even through high school graduation. That means the families they work with can rely on their support and encouragement throughout the students’ journey, no matter how difficult and extended that path may be.
Sound interesting? This is the perfect time to get involved as Rohr Rockstars expands their programming in several Novant Health locations. Get details below or visit SHARE Charlotte for more info.
Novant Health Blume Hematology and Oncology Clinic Reunion Carnival (May 16) – The Blume clinic is hosting a carnival with games, stations and a sunset movie. Volunteers will man stations including: The Rohr Rockstars craft table, movie popcorn bar, carnival games and more. Teen volunteers welcome – must be accompanied by a parent/adult.
Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital NICU Reunion Carnival (May 2) – Celebrate all of the children who have come through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with an outdoor carnival and celebration. Teenagers 16+ are welcome to volunteer – must be accompanied by a parent/adult. Three shifts are available for set-up, event staffing and breakdown.
Clinic Waiting Room Volunteer (variety of shifts available) – Volunteer shifts are available the Novant Health Blume Hematology & Oncology Clinic every morning, Monday through Thursday, as well as some afternoons. Interact with the children in the clinic waiting room as they wait for their treatment appointments. Specific projects (art, simple science experiments, etc.) will be provided for you to use.
2 comments
Trish–and Martha–you amaze me. How many people have made the kind of impact in children’s lives that you have?? It is SO WONDERFUL that you have accomplished all this.
They ARE amazing, aren’t they! Thanks so much!