C. S. Mott Children's Hospital
Up to Bat with the Inges
Entry 1: Dreamland
Steve Lobdell passed away last year of Hodgkin’s disease. His companionship and loyalty to friends and family led him to be my closest friend, while his unstoppable urge to fight attracted the attention of the Detroit Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge. Steve was instantly an inspiration to the young star. The feeling of having an impact on someone that important is every young kid’s dream. This facility should be dedicated to our beloved friend Steve, giving others the same hope and inspiration to keep on fighting, and to experience a dream they desire.
See accompanying illustration.
Submitted by Joe Magsig, 20 years old, Pleasant Lake, MI
Entry 2: The Refuge
Hi Mr. and Mrs. Inge, this is Christine here. We have met many times at the hospital and at the park. I am a HUGE Tiger’s fan and I know most of the players… and have met them too! I am 10 years old and I get chemo in the cancer center pediatric infusion clinic. I am very familiar with the playroom and my favorite thing to do there is go on the computer and do arts and crafts. I think the new playroom should be called “The Refuge” because the playroom is a safe place for kids. There should be NO pokes allowed in the playroom because it is a safe zone.
Submitted by Christine Wall, 10 years old, Plymouth, MI
Entry 3: The Little Batter’s Box
During my year’s as a student at the University of Michigan, I spent considerable time participating in events for Mott Children’s Hospital or cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald House. I am happy to see the Inges support Mott with such a generous donation. I am entering the name “The Little Batter’s Box” for the activity area because each of these children has been forced to step up to the plate for the biggest at-bat in their life. This is their chance to knock one out of the park. In The Littlest Batter’s Box, everyone is a hero.
Submitted by Joshua Bartlett, 26 years old, Pinckney, MI
Entry 4: The Diamond Playroom
Hi Mr. and Mrs. Inge! My name is Nolan Sikina, I am five year’s old! I am a big brother to my sissy Olivia Grace! My favorite sport is baseball and my favorite thing to play and collect is Lego Star Wars! My family and I play baseball in our back yard all the time! I was so excited when my mommy and daddy told me that I was going to the Tiger game, we had so much fun! That was the most special day ever! I was just diagnosed in May 2007 with (ALL) Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia! I went to my doctor for some bruises on my arm and legs and they sent me to the hospital because my platelet count was down to 14! They did more testing and then I found out I have Leukemia! They started right away on chemo and transfusions! I am a really strong boy, my mommy and daddy say that I am their inspiration! I have a special family because I was so scared to lose my hair and so I ask mommy and daddy if they would shave their heads with me and they said of course! Mommy’s hair was very long so she donated it to the Wigs for Kids to little cancer patients who need hair! Our fire department also shaved their heads for me, there were about 18 men! I am a lucky boy! The reason why I chose this sign is because I love baseball, every child loves baseball and the diamond is very special because cancer children are so unique and special just like a diamond. So I pulled this whole thing together and made this to show how special the playroom is to me!
See accompanying illustration.
Submitted by Nolan Andrew Sikina, 5 years old, Howell, MI
Entry 5: The Dugout*
I would like to name the play area “The Dugout.” I choose this name because sometimes in life we have to sit in the dugout, wait, watch, get stronger, and learn. We get benched for a while, but it’s to make us stronger in our life and faith.
I myself was a patient at Mott’s Pediatric Cancer Center. I was born without an immune system (SCIDS). Now I’m 7 years old and doing very well. Dr. Hutchinson told my parents I had a baseball players name, and guess what – it’s my favorite sport. My brother is also a Mott kid. He’s special needs and is treated through Neurology. We love our U of M Hospital.
See accompanying illustration.
Submitted by Jake Krzyzaniak, 7 years old, Adrian, MI
* There were several entries for “The Dugout”, the Inges chose the above entry for the accompanying essay, illustration.
