Love The Mooseness

A conversation about the surprising new world of virtual summer camp, the return to pediatric hospitals for clinical care, and starting the dialogue about improving racial equality for our campers and families.

Patrick and Mary Ann reflect on how their lives as parents have changed during this time of quarantine. They share ways their families have grown closer and offer listeners a challenge: what will you do differently to create more meaningful experiences with your family this week?

Dr. Kristin Ann Kullgren, clinical psychologist at Michigan Medicine's C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, offers strategies for parenting during the coronavirus crisis, with a special focus on families caring for chronically ill children and adolescents.

In our latest episode, Dr. Rebecca Patrias, North Star Reach Medical Director, talks about how parents caring for a child with a serious health challenge can seek out the best care possible during this time of COVID-19. A graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Patrias has been a practicing physician at the University of Michigan Health System, where she also taught medical students and served as a staff physician, and at St. Joseph Mercy Hospitals in Ann Arbor and Chelsea. Along with her role as North Star Reach Medical Director, “Dr. Becky” runs a private practice in Chelsea, her hometown, for which readers of the Chelsea Guardian voted her “Best Physician.”

Caring for a child with a chronic illness takes a toll on the whole family, and the healthy siblings are no exception. In episode 3, listen as 17-year-old Will shares the challenges he’s faced as the brother of a younger sister with a serious illness and where he has found strength and hope, even during the most difficult times.

In Episode 2 of "Love the Mooseness," Mary Ann and Patrick talk about top “survival guide” tips for navigating the COVID-19 crisis when caring for a child with a serious illness.

In this first episode of "Love the Mooseness," Patrick and Mary Ann share stories about how camp has made a difference in their lives and why community and connectedness matter more than ever today. If you are a parent of a child with a serious illness, we hope our weekly show becomes a place of belonging and support for you.