87th MDG pediatric rooms receive child-friendly makeover

Published Jan. 10, 2013
By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- When tummy aches, tiny coughs and big colds afflict Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's youngest warriors, it seems to them like there is no end is in sight.

Capt. Kristine Andrews, 87th Medical Group pediatrician, wants to not only provide a cure for the sick children she treats, but bring a bit of comfort and enjoyment while they wait to be seen.

Andrews and her mother, Ildiko, spent approximately seven hours hanging assorted paintings and decorating the walls of each of the children's waiting rooms Dec. 28, 2012 while the clinic was closed.

"Our goal was to brighten up our environment for the children and give them something fun to look at while they're in the rooms," said Andrews. "We have received a great response so far from patients and their families."

Approximately 140 art pieces were spread out throughout the six waiting rooms - each room having its own theme; tropical, ocean, circus, outer space, safari and forest.

Ildiko and seven of her friends from Lake Martin, Ala., who take an art class together, painted and donated all the pieces for the clinic. They spent several months and more than 300-man hours working on all the eye-catching artwork.

Andrews and Ildiko drew each room's layout and mapped out where each piece would hang. After the pieces were hung, the mother-daughter duo spent the rest of the evening painting complimentary images on the walls to create an elaborate flow of artwork.

"The paintings were beautiful and my children loved them," said Staff Sgt. Angela Jackson, a reserve aerospace medical technician and mother of three. "My kids are usually running around screaming during doctor visits but this time they were focused on the artwork."

The paintings not only created an appealing atmosphere, but will provide the pediatricians with another tool to treat their patients.

"The artwork will now allow us to better access the development of the children we see," said Andrews. "For instance, we can point to an animal and ask the child what kind of noise the animal makes. We can ensure they are developing like they're supposed to. We also hope it inspires creativity and imagination."