Marie tells us about her research with 12 families who have a child with serious illnesses or special needs and have worked with The Superhero Project. This project pairs an artist with the child to create a poster that displays superpowers the children have picked for themselves.
What interested you in researching the effects of The Superhero Project?
I was interested in researching the efforts of The Superhero Project because of my interest in a career in pediatric medicine. After volunteering at UH Rainbow Babies and Children's hospital, I saw firsthand the impact that social-emotional therapies could have on children with chronic illnesses. The Superhero Project helps children feel empowered and realize their strengths to impact the world around them.
What have you learned through your interviews with the families involved?
Through the interviews with families, I have learned more about how a strength-based approach to fostering development can positively impact a child. During the initial interviews to make the poster, the families take a deep dive into what makes their child special. Many families believe that the child's perception of their own self-worth increases in doing so. Then, the poster that the child receives from The Superhero Project serves as a constant reminder of the strengths and values that the child has. The interviews I conduct as part of the Welter Muzic Fellowship have allowed me to synthesize the outstanding ways families use their posters to foster positive development within their children and share those to help other families.
How has the Welter Muzic Fellowship helped you to achieve your goals?
The Welter Muzic Fellowship has helped me better understand the patient population I hope to work with one day as a physician in pediatric medicine. Through the interviews, I have seen a different side of patient care that involves topics such as the psychological implications of childhood illness, financial burdens associated with medical costs for pediatric patients and their families, and differences in care based on community resources. As I continue to pursue my goal of becoming a physician, I aspire to recognize and address these barriers with patients. Lastly, I also hope to continue celebrating the superhero powers that every child has as they continue to change the future!
