Have you ever seen those gowns that people wear in the hospital? They are very easy to take on and off, but you don’t have to wear one if you don’t want to. You can bring all of your favorite clothes from home, your softest shirt, your best jeans, your coolest shoes, whatever. Be sure and pack things that will be comfortable, since you’ll be spending at least some of the time in bed. Bring your own pajamas and slippers for nighttime and regular clothes for during the day. And don’t forget lots of socks to keep your feet warm (and even a hat if you’d like!) just to be sure you’ll be comfortable.

Got a favorite stuffed animal or game or toy? Bring it along! And if you get tired of your own stuff, the hospital has special playrooms filled with lots of fun things to do. You can borrow movies and books here, just like at the video store and library. We even have wagons and cars to ride up and down the halls. The doctors, nurses and other staff want you to be as comfortable and active as you can.

Don’t forget the basics, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, special soaps or lotions. You can keep a lot of those things in the bathroom. You can even bring your tub toys!

We have plenty of food at the hospital. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner each day on a tray brought right to your room. Right down the hall is a snack kitchen where you can pick out fruit, or juice or crackers or whatever. If drink machines are what you want, we’ve got ’em. If you have a favorite food or snack, bring it and we’ll keep it for you in the kitchen.

Don’t forget blankies or beanies or babies or pillows, or whatever makes you feel at home. In fact, you can even put stuff up on the wall, like posters. Bring your own bedspread or drinking cups, whatever. If you love music, pack your boom box or disk player and bring along what you like to listen to. While you’re at Brenner, your room is really YOUR ROOM. Even if you have a roommate, there is still plenty of space just for you.

Well, pets are just about the only thing you CAN’T bring to the hospital with you. You’ll have to give them big hugs when you leave and when you get back home. Just think how glad they will be to see you when you get home!

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