YAB Member Reflection: Ella Gjorgjievski (EGR '22)

Comfort. That warm feeling of content and internal peace, feeling protected, safe, and hopeful. This idea is one that many of us are lucky to experience on the daily, whether it be from an embrace of a family member or friend, the comfy sheets of our bed, or the sweet time spent with our pets. A life-threatening illness diagnosis on the other hand, provides the opposite of comfort and instead replaces those feelings of peace with dread and fear. Those simple comforts and familiar feelings we all take for granted are now extremely hard to attain and a scary reality that is difficult to navigate. Previous to my time serving on the Billy Bear Hug YAB, I had never understood the true gift of comfort and the incredible influence it can have on people’s lives.

In the past year as a Youth Advisory Board member, I have been granted with this new perspective but also the rewarding gift of being able to aid these families and replace a little bit of comfort that has been stolen from them. Despite the pandemic, the foundation has still stayed committed to helping these kids and their families in any way possible. Whether it be through birthday drive-bys, virtual read alouds, or delivered craft kits the mission is still being achieved daily. In a time where everyone is learning to navigate new rules, regulations, and an entirely different lifestyle watching hope return for these families has been a great reminder to be thankful. There are always positives to find in life and these brave children and their families are a constant reminder of being hopeful and pushing forward.

An experience I will never forget was the Project Night Lights at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. In a time where the world was told to be distanced and those human connections seemed to be fading, being able to see the kids we work with - even from a distance - was super special. Something as simple as shining a flashlight at the window of a sick child, can make a world of difference in brightening their day and putting a smile on their face. Seeing those lights shine back to you down from the hospital windows offers a rewarding feeling like no other and truly makes you understand how much of an impact we can have on those who are in need of support.

Now everytime I have that precious feeling of comfort and peace, I am truly thankful for it and this experience is to thank for that. The cure of comfort, truly is such a special thing.

Youth Advisory Board members at Project Night lights at helen devos children’s hospital