Oct. 16, 2007

He sat in a chair that compensated for his multiple disabilities. A little guy, the size of a 3-year-old but chronologically older, he had some control over his movements in the chair, but he had difficulty with eye contact and focus. His little hands flailed about as an Angel of Mercy, a young woman, talked with him. Constantly getting his attention, and not letting him drift back into whatever limited world he lives in, she coached him lovingly.

I introduced myself. It seemed silly at the time. Telling this little guy my name is Larry and that I am a visitor. His Angel said hello to me and said, "This is Jesus. Jesus, this is Larry. Can you say hello?" He couldn't in a traditional way, but his head moved more and he seemed to try to focus. His Angel wouldn't give up. "Jesus, can you say hello to Larry?" Then, she rubbed his cheek lightly and said, "Jesus likes to have his face tickled." Indeed he did! A slight grin emerged as he leaned his little head into her touch.

Suddenly, we had a language of hello. It wasn't words. It was a tickle. So, I reached out and tickled him under his chin like my grandfather used to do to me when I was that size. "I'm gonna get your gullet!" he'd say to me. I'd laugh. So, I goosed Jesus under his chin and said "I'm gonna get your gullet!"(I was a sophomore in college taking biology before I found out there was no such thing as a gullet.)

Jesus grinned as best he could, arms flailing more, eyes rolling as if trying to focus. Jesus and I had made contact! His Angel said it took a long time for Jesus to get comfortable with physical contact. What patience she must have. An Angel as a coach!

Jesus and I said goodbye. Jesus and his Angel were part of what looked like a "moms' play group" — two or three other kids with unbelievably complex needs. All attended by other Angels who were in constant state of communication with these kids, recognizing subtle responses, massaging their hands, trying to engage them in sticker books or toys that make noise. Another little fellow named Tonchim gave me a sticker. He gives a "thumbs up" when he likes you. He pitches a fit when he doesn't. I got the thumbs up and a grin.

Little Janaya, four years old, just graduated from wheelchair to walker to actually walking! Bright as a dollar, amazing smile. A handful now that she walks. She has multiple needs. Her life is at risk anytime. You'd never guess from her smile and energy.

This play group area is part of a "neighborhood" at one of the most amazing I've ever seen—The Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Manhattan, AAHSA members. Pat Tursi is the CEO. We have a number of pediatric members who do remarkable work. The entire building is divided into neighborhoods for its 136 young residents. Every employee is part of a neighborhood: Brenda and Tutiara, who are teachers. Juan the singing maintenance guy. Carmella the therapist. I wish I could remember them all! Everybody is part of a neighborhood. And they love the concept!

Sister Carol Barnes, the board chair, says their philosophy with these kids is "why not?" So, 19-year-old Ali, a near quadriplegic, takes trips to other cities to follow World Wrestling Federation stars. Some of these stars now visit Elizabeth Seton. Ali received his high school diploma and has no sense of humor about the New York Yankees not going to the World Series! The plans that staff put together to get him to wrestling events are truly amazing.

Halloween will find all these Elizabeth Seton kids-some with ventilators in tow, parading around the block in downtown Manhattan, with each having a staff who "adopts" them for Halloween—all in costumes. They are attended by nurses, teachers, therapists and people like Juan. Elizabeth Seton is a nursing home, a school and a family crisis center.

A remarkable program! What makes it work?

• Board leadership with a "why not?" attitude
  
  
• Talented leaders like Pat and Lisa Poskanzer, the administrator, and all the angels I met
  
  
• A human resources program that is supportive of staff (They have 13 percent turnover, seven percent among nurses)
  
  
• Neighborhood concept with all the culture implications that implies
  
  
• Use of innovative ideas like technology—they can play all kinds of games and get all kinds of exercise with virtual technologies that simulate everything from beach volleyball to space travel
  
  
• Engaging the community in their mission, including politicians, athletes, neighbors, their state and national associations and businesses
  
  
• Care grams to recognize staff, and prayer partners
  
  
• Family care
  
  
• Bereavement plans when their little residents don't make it
  
  
• Disciplined business and strategic plans based on continuous quality improvement
  
  
• Teamwork throughout
  
  
• Making their efforts a lot of fun
  
  

…And, most important, the Angels of Elizabeth Seton focus on the individual needs of the people and families they serve. That's why they know that Jesus likes to have his face tickled…

So, go tickle a few faces and see who responds! And if you find a gullet, let me know. Medical science will be surprised.

And tell your religious friends you know somebody who actually watched an Angel tickle the face of Jesus. Ponder that concept theologically, while you're at it… But I actually witnessed it personally!


William L. Minnix, Jr.
President & CEO

AAHSA · 2519 Connecticut Ave. NW · Washington DC 20008 · www.AAHSA.org