Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Angels in the Valley:

Teen’s fundraising effort soothing for patients

0129ZacharyChing

Steve Marcus

Burn unit volunteer Zachary Ching poses in a pediatric shower room at University Medical Center on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015. Ching raised money to provide Bluetooth speakers in the unit so patients can listen to their favorite music in their rooms or while undergoing painful dressing changes.

DO YOU KNOW AN ANGEL?

In Angels in the Valley, an occasional series, we profile individuals who’ve made a difference in the lives of others and deserve to be recognized for their willingness to help. If you know an Angel, email [email protected] with details.

When it comes to improving the lives of others, sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

West Career and Technical Academy senior and sports medicine student Zachary Ching knows that well.

As a volunteer in the pediatric burn unit at University Medical Center, Ching, 17, provides patients with blankets, DVDs, conversation and companionship.

After watching patients suffer through excruciating pain during daily dressing changes, in which bandages are removed and dead skin is scrubbed off, Ching thought of a new addition that could help: music. Researchers have found that listening to favorite songs can distract patients and reduce pain.

For a senior project this semester, Ching launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to install Bluetooth speakers in the burn unit. In just over two weeks, Ching surpassed his $1,900 goal. To date, he has raised $2,150.

Hospital officials plan to install up to 15 speakers and buy locks to prevent them from getting stolen.

“I don’t think they thought I was actually going to do it,” Ching said. “It got a lot more traction than I ever expected it to.”

Ching knows firsthand how valuable personal comforts and caring gestures can be. During his sophomore year, he was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a condition in which the brain and skull grow at different rates. Patients suffer headaches and have difficulty walking.

Ching, who was a football player, endured three surgeries that left him hospitalized for long stretches. He said the kindness of his nurses and access to his favorite music made all the difference in his successful recovery.

“I understand how these patients feel spending a lot of time in the hospital,” he said. “Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. The smallest thing a nurse or anyone can do for you means a lot more than you could ever imagine.”

Though his fundraising goal was met, Ching’s campaign remains open to raise money for even more speakers.

As for Ching, he’s eyeing college. He has been accepted to UNLV’s kinesiology program and Grand Canyon University’s biology program, and is waiting to hear back from UNR.

Although he’s uncertain about which path to follow, Ching looks forward to continuing to help others through work in the medical field. In the meantime, he’s happy to keep volunteering at UMC.

“I’m just thankful I had the opportunity to do this, and I wish I could thank everyone individually who donated,” he said. “I’m grateful it worked out so amazingly so fast. I look forward to seeing how I can help in the future.”

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