Party Patrol gives devoted mom a pause for pampering

April 2017

Tiffany Noland hadn’t thought of going to a movie in quite some time. As a single mother of an 8-year-old, Noland spends as much time as possible with her daughter, Coralynn, who was born with a chronic illness.

The condition, diabetes insipidus, causes severe dehydration and has a high risk of complications. Coralynn has been battling her illness since before birth. While still in the womb, she was diagnosed with water on the brain. She began having seizures at 3 months old and receiving care through Wings, BJC’s pediatric supportive care program, in 2009. 

Wings provides nurturing and supportive services in the child’s home to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family.

Noland realizes Coralynn will never be cured, and she spends as much time with her as she can because Coralynn’s future is uncertain. “That little smile that appears around the intubation tube brings me so much joy, regardless of her illness,” says Noland. “That’s my baby.” 

Over the past five years, Noland has completed her GED, worked several jobs, and will complete her patient care tech certification in April 2017 — all while giving Coralynn the bulk of her time and attention. 

Coralynn’s team of Wings’ caregivers wanted to give Noland a little break from her hectic schedule and looked to BJC Hospice’s Party Patrol to make it happen. As part of BJC Hospice’s Joyful Celebrations program, Party Patrol volunteers plan memorable days for Wings families when they see a need. 

For Noland’s day of fun and respite, the Party Patrol arranged lunch at the Preston Restaurant at the Chase Park Plaza for Noland, her mom and her two nieces. But the pampering didn’t stop there. In addition, all four received manicures and saw a movie at the Chase theater, followed by an afternoon of shopping with gift cards provided by the Party Patrol.

Noland says she’s thankful, not only for the day of pampering and the generosity of the BJC Hospice Party Patrol, but also for the skill and compassion of the Wings staff who care for her daughter day after day.

“I am so thankful for the wonderful team of nurses who have come to my house and who have always taken excellent care of my daughter in the hospital,” Noland says. “I don’t know what I would do without them. Whenever I call, they always answer, and they are all just great people.

“In difficult times that seem to have no end, nothing beats the thoughtfulness of the people at Wings,” she says. “Be thankful during difficult times — that’s when we tend to grow.”

Party Patrol celebrations and experiences are only possible with donations of funds and services by local partners. Special appreciation goes to the Chase Park Plaza and the Preston restaurant for lunch, St. Louis Cinema for the movie passes and the Friends of Wings for the remaining activities.