Naperville teen collects colorful Band-Aids, toys for kids at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

There are no boring band-aids in the pediatric department at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital thanks to 13-year-old Rachel Boudeman of Naperville.

For several years, Rachel and her family have been hosting a yearly holiday "Band-Aid Bash" party. Invitees are encouraged to bring boxes of "fun" Band-Aids and a toy to donate to the Winfield hospital.

This year, Rachel and her family delivered hundreds of boxes of band-aids, bags of toys, and gift cards to Dora Castro-Ahillen, Child Life coordinator at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.

The band-aids feature Marvel and Disney characters, animal prints, favorite TV shows, emojis and more.

"Kids don't get to make a lot of choices while in the hospital," said Castro-Ahillen. "Allowing children to pick out a Band-Aid featuring their favorite character or design gives them some control during what can be a scary situation."

Rachel came up with the idea to give back to the hospital that once provided her with a lasting Christmas memory.

As a toddler, she underwent surgery to remove a large tumor from her abdomen and pelvis. Although she was very young, she has two very distinct memories from that Christmas Eve surgery.

"I remember picking out a colorful Band-Aid and receiving a giant Dora doll," said Rachel. "It is scary and sad to be in the hospital, especially during the holidays. I hope these toys and band-aids help cheer up young patients."

The Band-Aids will resupply the Child Life Band-Aid Binder, a big scrapbook that young patients are invited to flip through to choose their own Band-Aid after a procedure such as a blood draw, insulin shot, or removal of an IV.

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