Many people wondered what it looked like and what happens when Jack goes to the clinic.   A “regular day” at the clinic entails Jack checking in and then a short wait.  He then sees Kathy to get weighed, measured, have his temperature and blood pressure checked.  After that he gets to picks a room to use for the day.  An artist painted different themes in each room; you’ll see part of the Red Sox room.  Mary Jo, his nurse practitioner, is a good buddy of Jack.  They both get excited to see each other.  She conducts his checkup, and Suzanne, another good friend of Jack comes in to access Jack’s port-a-cath.  This is a plastic unit that was surgically placed under his skin to allow chemo drugs, fluids, and blood to be drawn or injected.  Suzanne will stick a needle into his chest and attach “his lines.”  Visits can last for many hours, during these times he can watch movies, play games, or even spend time with many volunteers.  On this day Jack and Stephanie were doing an art project to make a replica of his Kiki.

Below are some pictures that Rob Balducci took at the clinic on Thursday.   Here are a few photos to show part of Jack’s day at the clinic.  There are many more individuals that come in and spend time with Jack on each visit.  The toy chest is the box that many of you filled with your generous donations of toys.  After a child has a procedure or experiences a major event in their life (i.e. birthday), they are allowed to select a toy from the toy chest, which makes a tough day a little easier.   

At the Yawkey Clinic

Heather from the Clinic, Dawn, and Tina Balducci

Jack at the train table, before his appointment

Doctors and nurses at the stationMaryJo hanging out with Jack

MaryJo looking for potatoes 

MaryJo finishing Jack’s exam and Suzanne getting ready to access his portThe toy chest

Stephanie and Jack making a Kiki replica 

2 Kikis