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Who's fun? Meet Alfunz!
"My mother is a Pika and my father is a Dormouse. I was born in the mountains past the Willow Windmill, but now live in Laffalot. I have a pet ladybug named Lola and my favorite food is Aldenbarker leaves. Oh, and I love children. Who am I?"
Alfunz! The happy-go-lucky little friend who lives in the Village of Laffalot. For big people of the world, that's MeritCare Children's Hospital and Clinics, where children get the help they need to lead happy and healthy lives.
One look around and you see why Alfunz has "fun" in his name. A giant 3-D mural bursts with color and whimsy, inviting playful conversations that often begin, "Where's Alfunz?" A wishing well brings smiles when Alfunz leaves interesting little presents. Mailboxes by every room in Children's Hospital inspire children to write letters to Alfunz – and he always writes back.
But there's more to Alfunz than meets the eye:
- He teaches. Child life specialists use a special Alfunz doll to help children understand and prepare for medical treatments, such as getting a cast on a broken leg.
- He answers questions. Children write to Alfunz about all kinds of topics, from "Who's your favorite NFL team?" to "Why did I get sick?" At just the right level, Alfunz answers each and every question, relying on expert help from the medical team.
- He motivates. Children recovering from illness or injury may need to get up and get active, but what if they don't feel like it? "That's when Alfunz does his best work," says Wendy Iwerks, MeritCare child life specialist. "A walk down the hall to see what Alfunz left in the wishing well is a lot more fun than a walk down the hall."
Alfunz makes his home at MeritCare Children's Hospital, but has friends at other child-friendly locations including MeritCare Children's Clinics. They can't wait to meet you!
Posted Date: December 2008