ROGERS -- Kayla Abramowitz, 13, held a bundle of colorful balloons as she introduced herself to officials at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers.
Pediatric wards are a familiar place to the Florida teen, who has spent weeks hospitalized for juvenile arthritis and Crohn's disease. Her own time in the hospital was the inspiration for what has become a national foundation that donates items for children to medical centers across the country.
"It can be really boring," Kayla said of being in a hospital. "I wanted to make other kids happy."
She started Kayla Cares 4 Kids two years ago. It donates items such as DVDs, books, games and video game systems to pediatric units.
"After a two-week stay at a hospital, I donated two Thomas the Train movies that we didn't use anymore," Kayla said. "They were so excited. I thought, 'Why not give hundreds or thousands of DVDs?'"
Arkansas became the 50th state to receive a donation from the organization Saturday when Kayla and her mother, Andrea, delivered about $800 worth of merchandise to Mercy Medical Center. A Nintendo Wii U donated by Sam's Club was included in the gift.
Christi Roderique, director of women's and children's services at the hospital, said the donations were desperately needed.
"We have extinguished our supplies," Roderique said. "Me and my nurses go and stock up out of our own pockets, because it is hard to get donations on a regular basis."
Play therapy is an important part of treatment in a pediatric unit, Roderique said. She said a movie can help distract children from blood draws or other painful procedures.
In the interest of making life better for hospitalized children, Kayla's organization has donated 4,265 DVDs, 3,100 books and 2,000 other items to 80 hospitals across the nation since it started.
Kayla traveled to Arkansas last week to take part in a workshop for the finalists of a Young Entrepreneurs Academy competition. The workshop, which included five other finalists, was held by Sam's Club, a sponsor of the contest.
Carrie Moore, Sam's Club spokesman, said business officials see the competition as a way to support small businesses.
"Small-business owners come in all ages," Moore said. "They are going to be a part of our communities."
The workshop showed the finalists what a corporate environment looks like, Kayla said.
It also helped her make some connections.
Kayla said the event snagged her a new board of directors member -- Rosalind Brewer, Sam's Club president and chief executive officer. An introduction to Chelsea Clinton during the event also could lead to a mention on Clinton's website, Kayla said.
The organization has donated 4,265 DVDs, 3,100 books and 2,000 other items to 80 hospitals across the nation since it started.
Metro on 09/20/2015