The Kids' Hospital Network was the idea of Alexis Brown. It all began in January 1993 when Alexis came down with the flu. Alexis rarely ever got sick. She was born with cerebral palsy, for her a physical challenge. Unfortunately the flu didn't seem to go away, and she also developed joint pain, redness and swelling. At first it was thought that Alexis might have JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis). After a few visits to the Floating Hospital at the New England Medical Center, it was believed that Alexis had SLE Lupus. However she wasn't meeting all the criteria of lupus. She was given a kidney biopsy and suffer complications that kept her in the hospital for most of the summer.
During that time, Alexis met a number of children who were sick or having operations. She noticed that some couldn't go up to the playroom because of their illness. She too saw that some kids didn't have many visitors or mail. When her siblings Victoria and Isaiah came to visit her they made pictures for not only Alexis but the other children to have on their walls. Alexis was fortunate to have her Mother stay with her while she was a patient and she too had her computer, an old Apple IIGS which she went online in the KOOL (Kids Online Only) area of AOL. With her online friends and her friends at school she decided that kids in hospitals need to know that some one cares about them. When she left the hospital she started working on a publication for kids that are sick or have challenges. The name came to her with the help of Victoria, knowing Alexis' love for Teddy Bears the name "Bearable Times" seemed to be fitting! Alexis and her family and friends began collaborating not only with each other but with Alexis' online friends! Soon they all could see Alexis' vision and the rough draft of her newsletter was put together. In the fall of 1994, The Kids' Hospital Network entered a float in their home town annual parade the Cranberry Harvest Festival. They won the Grand Prize and was able to print the first copy of "Bearable Times!" The following year with the help of High School Student Eric Tribue and Guidance Counselor Steve Wilson, "Bearable Times" appeared on the Harwich Public School's website.
Since that time Alexis has hosted Kids' Clubs, online chats, created online projects and events, worked with Apple Computer on a pilot program Convomania and developed a wonderful relationship and working partnership with Greet Meesen of Holland, a former school teacher who has been TKHN International Liasion & Web Coach through Studio Macadam. Alexis has also established working ties with MSPCC.
Alexis continues to work with children and teens through her website and locally. TKHN is always in need of volunteers, interns and financial assistance. Alexis appreciates your support!
To Contact Alexis, send snail mail to
Alexis -TKHN
P.O. Box 533
Harwich, MA 02645
or email her at ReesesAMRB@yahoo.com
Phone 508.957-8976 - please speak slowly with your name, phone number with area code and a brief message.