Stuffed monkeys go to school for burn victims
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Big stuffed monkeys go to school for kids who can't because they are in the hospital Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- There will be monkeys in a few Las Vegas schools this morning. They are helping keep pediatric burn patients connected with their classmates.
The big stuffed monkeys go to school and sit in the chair of a child who can't be there because they are at University Medical Center's burn unit.
The monkeys carry a backpack and a camera so that teachers can put homework in it and snap class pictures for the kids.
A family member drives the backpack to and from the hospital, helping keep these burn patients connected.
Kimberly Grettum is a Child Life Specialist in the burn unit. She says staying connected is vitally important.
"A child's job is to play. Their friends are their whole world. When they are in this other world called the hospital, they need to stay in touch. It makes it easier when they transition back to school."
UMC is home to the only burn unit in Nevada and many staff members have worked that specialty unit for 15 or 20 years. They love what they do.
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