Amber Des Roches had a dream, and in just a few short months that dream will be a reality. The Medcenter One Children’s Hospital will be fully transformed to Neverland, a place where kids can be kids, which is especially important when they’re sick. The project is called Amber’s Dream.
In 2007, Amber was a young teenager battling cancer. She spent a lot of time in the hospital, and whenever she needed an escape she would pull out the book the original Adventures of Peter Pan. It was her refuge. Sadly, Amber lost her battle with cancer, but not before sharing her ideas for a more kid-friendly hospital environment with her nurses and her family.
In 2009, through Basin Electric St. Baldrick’s Day and the lead donation from area electric cooperatives for the children’s playroom, the transformation began. In April 2011, the entire project will be complete.
Recently, Randi Schaeffer, nurse manager; Deb Jaeger, creative coordinator; and Hans Gilsdorf, designer and artist, provided a tour of the new facility. Watch the video for a look inside Amber’s Dream.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. I had the privilege of being Amber’s tap dance teacher before and during her struggle. I just pray that someday I will be able to have as many dreams and aspirations as Amber did. I miss her still, and know that I am a better person for knowing her. I am so excited to come back to North Dakota and visit to see Amber’s Dream a reality!