Memphis Hamman’s wish for a mermaid day at the beach was granted thanks to a compassionate group of frontline staff at Palms West Hospital and support from members of Journey Church. Pediatric staff decorated 7-year-old Memphis’ room with donated items, which included a mermaid outfit — complete with a sparkly tail.
Paralyzed from the neck down because of a severe car crash last summer, since the accident, Memphis has been a patient at the Children’s Hospital at Palms West several times. During her last visit, while undergoing imaging studies, her mother formed a special bond with Megan Morley, manager of imaging services, who also has a child that age. Even after Memphis was discharged, she kept in touch.
On Jan. 8, Memphis was admitted again with pneumonia. Unfortunately, her mother could not visit because she was diagnosed with COVID-19. She sent pictures and messages for Megan to share with Memphis.
Noticing that Memphis had been downhearted because her mother could not visit, Megan mobilized to create a day at the beach, Memphis’ favorite place, and what she misses most since being paralyzed. “Lately, Memphis’ spirits are just not where they normally are,” Megan said. “Despite all the challenges she has endured over the past few months, Memphis has maintained a bubbly, joyful personality. It melted my heart to see her so sad.”
Megan leaned on her Palms West Hospital family and her spiritual family to help uplift Memphis’s spirits. Since forming the friendship, Megan has been praying for Memphis and her family and asked her mother’s approval to start a prayer chain. Members of Journey Church, were Megan worships, were familiar with the accident and were eager to help. They surprised Memphis with balloons, gifts, offering cards of well wishes, and gathered for prayer in the hospital’s parking lot.
