Green Hairbrushes an Unlikely Source of Hope brought to you by Smiles with Style

I’ve written this story over and over again in my head, sharing it with others is a huge responsibility and I hope I do it justice. I share this message of hope.

Several months ago Smiles with Style started volunteering with a new hospital partner. On my initial visit the very first child I meet is Lilly. She’s a 4 year old oncology patient that’s lost all of her hair. On our first encounter she is mesmerized by the makeover cart. She loves the tutu that encircles the cart. She grabs a large green brush off of the cart. I cringe inside. My first concern is we don’t allow children to play with and touch the cart to prevent the spread of germs. Also, she picked an expensive brush which is often a much needed item on the cart and she doesn’t have any hair!

Oddly, Lilly did not want anything else from the makeover cart that day. The only thing she wanted was the big green brush. I went on to visit with the other children in oncology. When I was leaving she came running down the hall after me and grabbed me around my legs and gave me a big hug. She thanked me for the brush.

I saw Lilly once a week for several months after that initial visit. Each time she had the green brush! I couldn’t believe it. Each week she told me her hair was growing back. I didn’t see any signs of her hair growing back, but she was hopeful.  She was ready with her green brush in hand.  

I learned a few weeks ago that Lilly lost her battle and passed away. I had just arrived at the hospital when I heard the news. I quietly went up to retrieve the makeover cart. When I got to the room I called my husband because I needed to talk to someone before I went to see the children. Once I heard his voice the floodgate of tears opened up.  “I don’t think I can do this” I cried.

Two amazing things happened:

First, my husband reminded me of the joy that Smiles with Style brought Lilly in her final days. We were able to make her smile and bring joy each week. We hopefully made a difference in her life. The pep talk was enough for me to get “back on the horse” and visit other kids that day.

I realized Lilly taught me a valuable lesson about the power of hope. Each time I saw her she was smiling and hopeful. I never heard her complain. I will never forget Lilly and her amazing spirit. I am lucky to do what I do and meet such amazing children.  

When you see hope in your children’s eyes enjoy every moment!    

- Jen Koch

Smiles are a UNIVERSAL Language

I am continually moved by my experiences while volunteering. Such moments inspire me to continue to devote my full time and attention to growing Smiles with Style. I thought I would begin to share some of the special moments with our supporters:

I was pushing the makeover cart through the main lobby of University Hospital when I was stopped by one of the hospital's translators. She was accompanied by a young girl who was probably 13 or 14 years old and appeared to be of Middles Eastern descent. Her hair was covered in a veil, but her face was visible. The right side of her face was severely scarred from what looked like burns. I couldn't help but to wonder what tragedies she had been exposed to at such a young age. 

The young girl did not speak English and the translator briefly left us for a few minutes while she spoke with an employee at the desk behind us. I handed the young girl a few items (lip gloss, hairbrush, and lotion) from the makeover cart. She became very excited and started smiling in a somewhat lopsided fashion due to the injuries to her face. I smiled in return. I pointed to my smile and clapped.

She was grinning and beaming with joy. I knew she was thrilled. In that moment, I realized we were able to communicate entirely through SMILES!

- Jen Koch

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