POWERGRAMS

PAG E 5 HEALTH Huge lollipops and candy props line the hallway. Children laugh and smile for photos with characters while playing games and making crafts. It's hard to believe the setting is in a hospital, but with the help of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) Magic City Chapter, Children's of Alabama was transformed into a life-size Candy Land game for a day. Building off of the success of Playtime Extravaganza, Children's approached Alabama Power employees earlier in the year, asking them to consider hosting the event. Since 2008, APSO and the IT departments have hosted Playtime Extravaganza, a weeklong series of fun activities for patients. "APSO volunteers really set a gold standard," said Wynne Speir, community engagement coordinator of Children's. "In addition to the financial support from Alabama Power, we knew we could count on APSO to help us pull off Candy Land." "We're really proud of the partnership with Children's through the years," said Wells Cooner, president of APSO Magic City. "It's an honor that they knew they could depend on us. With the support of APSO and its volunteers, Children's is able to make events such as Candy Land even bigger and better than they could by themselves." The interactive event marked the culmination of Child Life Month at the hospital, highlighting the importance of emotional and developmental support for patients. Child life specialists and assistants help patients and their families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury, disability and hospitalization. "We celebrate Child Life Month at the hospital through many events and activities but Candy Land is our biggest," said Speir. Candy Land began with a press conference with Children's of Alabama Executive Vice President Coke Matthews and Foster Ware, area manager for Alabama Power's Birmingham Division. A longtime supporter of Children's, the Alabama Power Foundation last year gave a donation for the Child Life Department. Alabama Power employees joined hospital staff, patients and their families to honor Child Life Month before the event started. Once the game began, patients and family followed the path through the Candy Cane Forest, Chocolate Swamp, Lollipop Woods and cherry "pitfalls." Nearly 40 APSO volunteers and child life specialists supervised the candy- themed activities, games and crafts. Iconic characters from Candy Land including King Kandy, Princess Lolly and Lord Licorice entertained and visited with patients. In addition to providing entertainment, the activities were therapeutic. "There is a therapy purpose behind each activity," said Speir. "A notebook the patients decorate can then be used for them to write questions for the doctors. The Play-Doh activity helps develop fine motor skills. Likewise, bubbles are a great way for patients with pulmonary issues to exercise their lungs." For APSO members, serving patients and their families at Candy Land was life- changing. "This is what it is all about," said Cooner, IT analyst, Disaster Recovery. "It's a privilege for us to serve and to help bring a smile to these children's faces. It really gives you a more positive outlook on life." IT Analyst Tiffany Gustin volunteered by handing out Candy Land board games to every child as they finished the interactive game. The event hit close to home for Gustin, whose two sons, Nicholas, 10, and Langston, 7, have been patients at Children's. "We have been to the ER a number of times and my youngest son has been admitted twice," said Gustin. Wanting to give back to Children's is one of the reasons Gustin volunteered. "The staff at Children's was so wonderful to my family. And after seeing what the patients and their families go through, I wanted to help give back. Serving at Candy Land is just one way I can help make a difference, even if for a small amount of time, in the lives of these patients." Gustin plans to volunteer with Playtime Extravaganza later in April. Additionally, plans are already being made for next year's Candyland, which will be hosted again by APSO Magic City. "Through events like these, we are able to help the community and the future of the community. They know we come in and make a difference," said Cooner. For more information on APSO and how to become a member visit http://corporateinfo.southernco.com/ associations/apso/. By Allison Westlake 5 Candy Land Fans Jeff Hodgson, Debbie Hodgson greet patients and their families. VOLUNTEERS BRING M AGIC TO CHILDREN, FA MILIES IN HOSPITAL Photos courtesy of Children's of Alabama Brooke Gurley helps a patient in her wagon. A patient decorates a lollipop.

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