Every three weeks, Emily Rodgers comes to the 6th floor clinic in the Doctors Office Tower at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. When she was a newborn, she was diagnosed with Beta Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin. Emily receives regular blood transfusions to supply red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Now 10, she has received 161 blood transfusions, the first when she was 2 weeks old.
There are a lot of things the 5th grader at Charlotte Elementary School does to occupy her time — watches movies, plays games, reads and tackles homework.
Over the years she has developed quite the routine for her daylong visits.
“I always get my labs done, so they can see what my hemoglobin levels are, then we visit with the doctor, who orders the blood, and then we wait for the blood to arrive. And that’s when I go downstairs to get sushi,” Emily said, smiling.
Most recently, another activity was added to her clinic-day schedule.
“I make sure to get a cherry ICEE,” she giggled. “Just one though.”
Her mother, Jennifer Rodgers, had a quick addition to that last part:
“She will usually get one, [but] sometimes two depending on how long we are here and how the day goes.
“We see it as a reward. It’s really been a hit with everyone up here.”
A good distraction and treat
The person who contacted the ICEE Company about providing a machine was the fortuitously named Ashley Frost, MSN, RN, CPN, the manager of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Outpatient Infusion at Monroe Carell.
She learned that the company, which serves more than 500 million frozen beverages each year, had a program called ICEE Hope, which is focused on providing ICEE equipment to children’s health care facilities. So far it has placed 17 machines and plans to expand the program.
Frost said that the machines provide more than a treat; they provide a product that helps with patient comfort and care.
“Our patients and families spend long hours in clinic receiving chemotherapy, blood and many other types of infusions,” Frost said. “Some patients report that chemo leaves a terrible taste, and the cold can help with mouth sores.
“All in all, having ICEEs has been impactful to lighten the spirits of our patients and families. It’s been a good distraction and treat. There can be some really tough days. Our kids have been thrilled.”
“All in all, having ICEEs has been impactful to lighten the spirits of our patients and families. It’s been a good distraction and treat. There can be some really tough days. Our kids have been thrilled.”
Ashley Frost
The machine dispenses three flavors — cherry, blue raspberry and “llama-nade.”
“We saw that our product was able to spark joy and excitement for children during difficult times and learned, after the fact, that for some patients an ICEE was soothing to the throat during intense treatments,” said Kimmra Hingher, Vice President of Marketing for ICEE. “This initiative of ICEE Hope to place ICEE programs in pediatric facilities grew out of the realization that our product was a great fit.
“We love hearing stories about how ICEE has been a bright spot during difficult times to so many children and their families during treatment,” Hingher said. “We are honored that we can be a part of these stories and hope to continue inspiring smiles and sweet memories.”
The machine has been in place at Monroe Carell since October 2023. ICEE provides the syrup, cups and straws. Clinic staff have been trained to change out the syrup.
Michael Shackleford, RN, says the ICEE machine has been a great addition to the clinic.
“It’s interesting to see how something as simple as an ICEE can put a smile on someone’s face,” he said. “It’s been really nice to watch people’s reactions.”
Shackleford said cherry seems to be the most popular flavor, although many children like to mix the flavors to form a custom concoction.
“Overall, I just really love it,” said Emily. “Oh, and it’s free, which is really nice!”