Astoria High School senior to deliver hundreds of toys for children at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

Jennifer Mandujano knows firsthand how cancer affects families. She understands the inherent stress and daily challenges they endure because her mom was diagnosed when she was 4 years old and is now living with stage IV brain cancer. Mandujano’s experience inspired her to make collecting toys for children battling cancer at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital her senior project.

Since mid-October, Mandujano has challenged herself, her classmates and her community to donate as many toys as possible to the children receiving care at OHSU Doernbecher. Dozens of local businesses and community members supported her cause — if not with toys then with generous cash donations. One business owner took her on a shopping spree, allowing Mandujano to personally select the toys she wanted to give to OHSU Doernbecher patients.

“Toys are a way for children to learn, cope and find a sense of calm while in the hospital. Play is a universal language for children and even a small toy can change a bad day into a better day for a child who perceives the hospital to be a scary place. We are grateful to Jennifer and her community for this generous gift,” said Sandra Westfall, manager of the Child Life Program at OHSU Doernbecher.

TOY DROP-OFF DETAILS

WHAT

Jennifer Mandujano, her twin and 5-year-old sisters, and Darla Rush, her Astoria High School mentor, will deliver the toys to the OHSU Doernbecher Child Life Program team.

WHEN

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.

WHERE

OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, 700 S.W. Campus Drive, Portland, Ore. 97239

DETAILS

For background on Jennifer Mandujano and her senior project, read The Daily Astorian article.


Tamara Hargens-Bradley
Senior Director, Strategic Communications
OHSU
503-494-8231