A North Allegheny student turns a childhood hospital experience into a heartfelt project to bring joy to young patients
Pieces
OF HOPE
A North Allegheny student turns a childhood hospital experience into a heartfelt project to bring joy to young patients
BY NICOLE TAFE
For Lilliana Nover-Baker, a difficult childhood experience became the inspiration for something deeply meaningful— an act of kindness designed to bring comfort to children facing health challenges.
Now a 16-year-old junior in the North Allegheny School District, Lilliana still remembers the uncertainty and fear of being hospitalized with a ruptured appendix while in elementary school. Because of complications, doctors were unable to perform immediate surgery, so she underwent intensive antibiotic treatment while surrounded by other young patients battling serious illnesses like cancer.
“ It made me realize how many other children were going through difficult situations,” says Lilliana.“ I wanted to make a positive impact on them.”
During her stay, Lilliana formed a special bond with another patient named Beverly. Together, they spent hours working on puzzles— a simple activity that quickly became something much more.
“ It was a huge distraction that helped me not think about the pain that I was experiencing,” she says.“ Because of the fun we had putting the puzzles together, it created a friendship that was very supportive.”
Lilliana Nover-Baker( left) with Stephanie Colaberardino of UPMC Children’ s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
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