Compassion and Kindness Around Us: Jenna Lillemoe, MD

Across Mass General – and throughout neighborhoods and communities – remain simple acts of kindness that shine through during this time of uncertainty. Jenna Lillemoe, MD, shares her story.

Every year, the child life specialists on Ellison 17 and 18 make Spring Bunny baskets for patients who are hospitalized as the season changes. Anne Pizzano, MS, CCLS, and Laurel Schitman, CLS, collected the goodies and made the baskets before Ellison 18 was transitioned to an adult unit caring for COVID-19 positive patients.

With input from nursing staff, Anne​, Laurel, and the child life team decided it was important for adults to celebrate the season too. It’s difficult to be away from family and friends at any time, but during the COVID crisis, a small gift could hopefully lift the patients’ spirits. They switched out toys for crossword puzzles, adult coloring sheets, a stress ball, a small stuffed bunny and candy. ​The nurses then gave baskets to each patient on Easter Sunday and to newly admitted patients throughout this week. I haven’t seen a patient opening them, but I think they’re appreciated by the adults!