On a magical afternoon earlier this month, a very special movie theater, called "Room of Magic" opened for pediatric patients and their families at University of Iowa Children's Hospital, located in University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Shelia Baldwin, joins executive director of development at The University of Iowa Foundation for UI Children's Hospital, talks about the Room of Magic:
Where did the idea for placing a theater within UI Children's Hospital start?
Almost three years ago, the head of UI Children's Hospital, Dr. Mike Artman, was approached by Richard Byrd, Reeve's Audio. Richard was familiar with a group from California called the Elf Foundation, whose mission is to create movie theaters in children's hospitals. These movie theaters are now all around the country at some of the top children's hospitals. Richard wanted to see it happen here, so he brought the representatives from the Elf Foundation to University of Iowa Children's Hospitals, and identified other local supporters who could join him in this effort.
Who helped support the process of building the theater?
Besides Reeve's Audio, the other substantial local partner here was Reference Audio Video, and under the direction of the Elf Foundation, those folks designed and created this space. They provided everything you can think of with a movie theater—a subwoofer, the speakers, the movie screen, the lights. We were also fortunate to receive a gift from some students at Loras College through their Dance Marathon to create a fund for the ongoing programming needs.
Who is in the audience in the Room of Magic?
Our Room of Magic is a special space and is reserved only for pediatric patients at UI Children's Hospital. We know that hospitalized children already miss out on so much of being a kid, so this space is created for those pediatric patients.
How does this theater within UI Children's Hospital help in the healing process for the young patients?
We can provide really good medical care, but there are a lot of things that can enhance that care emotionally, spiritually. Our goal is to create companion programs that enhance that care. Having this space give patients and their families a chance to bond, to get out of their hospital room, to take their mind off their illness.
How often will movies be shown in the theater?
Under the guidance of our Child Life Therapy staff, movies will be as often as we can manage—at least once a month and hopefully a couple times a month we will have special Room of Magic events.
Could you give us an example of the type of movie that might be shown in the Room of Magic?
When we debuted the Room of Magic, we showed Ratatouille , which was a fabulous crowd pleaser with our younger patients. We will show movies that are on the best hits list with our younger patients. We'll do special nights specifically for our teen patients. During football season, we'll have the Hawkeyes on the screen.
How big is it? How many can it accommodate?
Because we wanted to make this space comfortable, we purchased 40 beanbags that are tossed on the floor so the kids can sit or lounge in them. We can also put chairs and tables around. We can accommodate about 75 to 100 people.
It sounds like the kids are just plopping down like at home and watching a big screen TV.
It is and that's what's so wonderful about it. When that movie started, everybody in the room was there to watch a movie. You don't think about the fact that they have really serious health conditions. It was just like being at home watching a movie. It was great.
We've got a concession stand. Every movie theater has to have a concession stand.
If someone wants to learn more about the Room of Magic, or contribute to the project, who would they contact?
They can contact me, Sheila Baldwin, at the University of Iowa Foundation, and that number is 319-335-3305. |
