UMHS Student Alex Heromin Starts Two Foundations for Pediatric Patients

UMHS student Alex Heromin founded two separate foundations to help pediatric patients, A Dose of Love and Saturday Smiles. A Dose of Love assists students from American and Caribbean medical schools in helping kids with physical and intellectual disabilities. Medical students become pen pals with special needs kids and write actual “old school” letters --amazing indeed in the digital age of social media. For Saturday Smiles, medical students work directly with inpatient pediatric patients at DMC (Detroit Medical Center) Children’s Hospital of Michigan to bring a smile and laughter to kids facing serious injuries and illnesses.

(Photo left): UMHS student Alex Heromin. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin.

The UMHS Endeavour recently spoke to Mr. Heromin, who is currently busy with clinical rotations, about why he started these two foundations. Mr. Heromin discussed in detail what makes each foundation unique and how medical students can get involved.

Tell us what gave you the idea to found A Dose of Love?

I started working with the Down Syndrome Guild (DSG) of Southeast Michigan last year. As part of their Christmas party, I wrote out cards to each of the kids. A lot of the mothers said that it really meant a lot to them because they don't have a large network of friends and rarely receive cards from people other than family members. They were all very touched that I took the time to write a handwritten card. It reminded me in a world focused on social media, technology and instant gratification, that taking the time to write out a card means a lot more than we think. I wanted to continue this and that helped to prompt my idea for the organization, which is essentially a modernized version of the classic "pen pal.” My Vice Chair is a fellow classmate, Holly Huth; and our Resident Chair is the chief resident of orthopedics at McLaren Pontiac, Dr. Alesha Scott. Along with the rest of the board, they have proven invaluable in the formation of this organization.

For A Dose of Love, regarding the children you work with, what are some of the illnesses they are battling? Does this provide any unique challenges?

We work with children of all physical and intellectual disabilities. The incredible thing about the organization is that we can reach out to so many different groups, we are not limited to one specific disability. I am truly humbled by how many families we are able to reach. In Michigan alone, we have a network of over 950 families with our DSG partner. Some of our participants aren't able to read the cards themselves, but their parents and friends read them aloud. This allows the true intention of the program, which is to bring a smile to their face, to happen every day. Having so many schools and medical students become involved has really given us the opportunity to expand. We are already working with students in other states to grow the program nationwide. I never anticipated the program would take off so quickly.

(Photo left) MOVIE PREMIERE: Alex Heromin with Mary at the film premiere held at Michigan's the Fourth Wall, a venue showcasing the works of actors of all abilities. Alex founded two organizations that help kids, including those with special needs. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin

What are you looking for in medical students who wish to volunteer for A Dose of Love?

One common connection we all have as medical students is the desire to care for others, both physically and emotionally. We want the medical students to be committed to making a positive difference in the lives of these kids. We want them to be committed to the program for at least six months, as they will send one letter a month. We want to make sure that the medical students and participants are able to form a pen-pal relationship over time. The amazing thing about the program is that you do not have to be located in one particular area to participate. You can be matched up and write a letter from anywhere in the country. That's one of the reasons that the program is expanding so quickly. We are all extremely busy with rotations, school work and everyday life, but spending your few free moments making someone else happy is so fulfilling and extraordinary. I have so much gratitude and respect for all the medical students and doctors involved in these programs.

Tell us why you founded Saturday Smiles?

There was a new children’s hospital under construction near my home in Michigan, where I am doing all of my rotations. I would drive by this hospital on a daily basis for months and months, and was able to gradually see it come to life. The kids that I worked with on my pediatric rotation were all spectacular, each in their own way. I feel that they were able to see us, medical students, as their caregivers and future doctors. I truly believe that medicine involves fostering trust and helping in the emotional well-being of the patient. I wanted the kids to be able to see us, the medical students, in a different capacity than just providing relief for the physical ailments. I wanted the kids to know they can rely on us for emotional support also. I wanted to be able to volunteer with the kids and just be in a T-shirt and jeans and laugh with them on a Saturday. Driving past the new hospital late after work one day the idea for the program came to my mind. This would allow them to see us as their friends, not just their medical providers. A lot of the kids are facing serious ailments. Some of the bravest people I have ever met in my life are these children fighting the biggest battles. Forming a bond with them can help some of the treatments not seem so “scary” to them. DMC was excited to partner and work with us to bring this program to life.

What are some of the illnesses the children are battling?

We work with the inpatient pediatric patients at DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan. There is quite a broad range of illnesses they are battling; ranging from trauma injuries, acute illnesses, burns, to something more chronic or serious like leukemia and other cancers. We check with the hospital and also the parents to make sure the kids are up for us to come visit for a few hours.

What are some of the things you do as Saturday Smiles volunteers to brighten up the lives of the kids?

Providing the highest quality and best mentoring is our priority; creating unforgettable, caring moments is our mission.  We encourage the volunteers to do anything fun with the kids. The intention of the program is to make them smile and laugh. This varies from bringing in coloring books, playing games, listening to music and dancing, reading stories, playing dress-up, or taking them for a walk around the hospital.

You work specifically with DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan for Saturday Smiles. Why did you select this particular hospital?

DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan is an international leader in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostic services. It is also Southeast Michigan’s only pediatric Level One Trauma Center. They have an incredible reputation and I was very excited to partner with them for this. I am very lucky to have a phenomenal board of representatives for this program. We have students from UMHS, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, University of Michigan, Oakland University, Ross and AUC participating.

How do the two organizations differ?

The difference between the two organizations is that A Dose of Love does not require physical presence to participate. You are able to be matched up with a special needs buddy and communicate via the mail from anywhere around the country. Saturday Smiles requires that the volunteers come in to the hospitals in the Michigan area to spend time with the kids for inpatient, one on one time. I would encourage all students, regardless of geographic location, to apply to be a part of A Dose of Love. Any students who will be in the Michigan area should apply to participate with our Saturday Smiles program.

Why should medical students get involved in both of these organizations?

One of my all-time favorite quotes is “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.”  I find that sometimes we need a little direction with what to do with our time. Time isn’t the problem; we all have 24-hour days. I hope by creating these organizations I am able to direct people to give their time to those in difficult situations. There is nothing more humbling than leaving work after a long day and thinking “How lucky am I to be able to WALK to my car?!” Sometimes we tend to take the small things for granted. I look for volunteers that are ambitious and passionate. I believe having a sense of passion is one of the most important things in life. Passion for your work, family, and faith. Ultimately, we are enriching the lives of so many people, via the mail or in person at the hospital, and I take that privilege very seriously.

Is there anything about either organization we haven’t covered that you’d like to talk about?

There is no cost for the medical students to participate in either program. Through generous donations and fundraising efforts we pay for the cards and postage. We also provide a small stipend to purchase gifts for the kids each month, to send with the cards. We also have funds to purchase games, toys and various entertainment items that we bring with us to the hospital on the weekends.

Mr. Heromin would like to sincerely thank Mr. Warren Ross, President of UMHS, for a substantial donation to the organizations.

For more information, please visit www.adoseoflove.org  and www.saturdaysmiles.org

Alex Heromin & Kids at Movie Premiere Party

Children involved with A Dose of Love and Saturday Smiles worked on two films shown at Michigan's the Fourth Wall, a venue showcasing actors of all abilities, including special needs kids. Below are photos from the recent premiere party, all courtesy of Alex Heromin.

Alex with Nick & his date before the premiere. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin

Alex speaking to some of the supporters of the organizations. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin

Kids receiving their applause. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin

Holly & Anna at the film premiere. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin

To learn more about the organizations and volunteer, please visit www.adoseoflove.org and www.saturdaysmiles.org

(Top photo) Alex & the class premiering their movie. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Heromin

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