Twelve-year old Esme and her mom make the two-hour trip from Arcadia to All Childrens three times a week. Its essential. Esmes kidneys both failed last December, the result of blood poisoning and high blood pressure that landed her in All Childrens Pediatric ICU for more than a month. Now, the machines in All Childrens Dialysis Unit clean her blood of waste products while Esme watches TV, plays games or does homework for three and half hours each visit. Except for Fridays thats when Child Life Specialist Holly Ott brings around the Chefs Cart. The kid-friendly cooking activities help these youngsters learn about tasty treats they can still enjoy while on a restrictive dialysis diet. And in the process, kids like Esme learn that they have choices and responsibilities when it comes to their health.


