Jayden’s Story: “Child Life Was at the Core of My Care”

When Jayden Dorman was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 12, he was old enough to understand some of what was going on with his health, but still too young to be spending so much time at the hospital. From July 2016 to February 2018, he was on site at both St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital-South every 6-8 weeks for infusions. Between July 2017 and August 2018, he endured eight inpatient stays that ran anywhere from 7-14 days at a time.

“I was just a kid,” Jayden said. “It was hard enough trying to process the medical issues I was dealing with, but there were also a lot of emotional issues, as well. When I was first diagnosed, I realized my condition would sometimes prevent me from being with my friends because the pain was just too much, and that I would probably miss trips to the movies and birthday parties and doing some of the things I loved because my treatments and hospital stays would get in the way of all that. I wanted to be a “normal” kid but didn’t think that would be possible.”

He knew St. Joseph’s was a place filled with doctors and nurses where he would receive medical care, but he didn’t know the Child Life team would also be there to help him still feel like that “normal” kid.

Child Life found ways to give Jayden positive experiences and fun things to do during times when there wasn’t much to look forward to.

“Having Child Life there for me made my time at St. Joe’s so much better than I could have ever imagined,” he said. “I really enjoyed the games, puzzles, and crafts they brought as they gave me something to do to occupy my time. And they weren’t just there for me. They were there for my family, helping them navigate a really difficult time in our lives, and letting them know they had another system for support whenever they needed it.”

While most of Jayden’s care was at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, he was able to receive much needed iron infusions 2-3 times a week closer to home at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, along with the necessary aftercare following each of his surgeries.

“I was used to going to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital,” Jayden said. “But everyone at St. Joseph’s Hospital-South was also so great. They were positive and helpful and wanted to make sure I was happy and comfortable and made sure I got the same excellent care. In fact, it was a nurse at the South infusion center who noticed a change in my condition from one Friday to Monday and asked the doctor to come see me. As a result, I wound up going to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and having the first of my three surgeries the very next day.”

Today, Jayden is a healthy young adult who is studying business at the University of Central Florida, working part-time as a cook, and volunteering for Canine Companions as a raiser for a future service dog. He also loves playing games, drawing and listening to music.

When he looks back at all the time he spent at St. Joseph’s Hospitals, Jayden is quick to point out the level of consistency and involvement Child Life had with him and all their patients. He insists he wouldn’t be where he is today without their caring touch.

“The love and kindness they provided never seemed like an afterthought, or just a small additional program – it felt like a core part of their care routine,” he said. “Without a doubt, Child Life helped me keep pushing through all my health challenges. They kept me entertained, made me laugh and smile, and feel so much better emotionally. To a kid in the hospital, that’s everything. I am so grateful for everything they did.”

To make a donation to St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation in support of life-changing programs like Child Life, and young patients like Jayden, click here.