The Oncology/Hematology Unit at Children’s Hospital at St. Mary's Medical Center held their first Yoga Session Friday, November 13, 2009. The 
idea was developed when a couple of volunteers were interested in providing Yoga for the kids. The idea further developed when Dr. Marshall Stone, Pediatric General Surgeon, who has a passion for yoga, became involved. Dr. Stone wanted to help the Hematology-Oncology patients learn other techniques for relaxation and pain management while having fun.
Rachel Wood CCLS, Senior Child Life Specialist of Parent-Child Center’s Child Life Program worked with the hospital and nursing administration to make this special class possible. The kids made animal poses and sang silly songs while stretching a
nd relaxing with Yoga Instructor Meredith Groves. The patients were smiling and actively participated as they rolled around like pigs and fluttered like butterflies. Meredith finished the session by giving each patient their own Mandala (a circular pattern) to color, giving them something to take with them from their experience. It can also be used for relaxation. We thank Meredith for donating her talents to help these special children.
Parent-Child Center’s Child Life Program provides child life and behavioral medicine services to hospitalized children at the St. Mary’s Medical Center. This program is funded through the generosity of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the Be A Star Foundation and other businesses and individuals who care about critically ill children.