PORTSMOUTH, Va. (May 23, 2019) – Volunteers through the KAP(SS) 4 KID(SS) Program visit children in the Pediatrics Ward at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) May 21.
KAP(SS) 4 KID(SS) is a U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) Community Outreach Program that brings comfort and joy to children battling challenging medical conditions, brings support to the parents and good feelings to the Sub Vets who visit the treatment facilities.
John “Sid” Sidlovsky, co-chairman of the KAP(SS) 4 KID(SS) Program and a veteran submariner, takes pride in every smile and every laugh as they roam the halls of the ward.
“The purpose of this program is to bring support and laughter to these kids in a time of need,” Sidlovsky said. “To me, a little bit of laughter is what I am going for and laughter is the best medicine.”
The submarine veterans gladly gave all the children who wanted to visit their caring attention as well as a litter of gifts, from an Honorary Submariner ballcap and baby beanie to coloring books, stuffed animals and temporary tattoos. The message they try to convey is to have a positive attitude.
“It’s all about having a positive attitude,” Sidlovsky said. “Especially for the children who are having a tough day, we are here to turn them around. We are here to take a bad day and turn it into a positive day. Positives thoughts and a good attitude are important to the healing process.”
Dahima Dillon, the mother of one of the kids, was overjoyed by the occasion. Her 8-year-old son Amani, happily received an armful of stuff and after a high five, walked away with a smile that was visible through the protective mask he wore on his face.
“I just want to say thank you very much for what they do,” Dillon said. “Just to have this visit is such a joy for him. It’s really special.”
Sidlovsky believes that what they do is important and they try to do it as often as they can.
“We come up here every month and have been doing that for three years,” Sidlovsky said. “We think it’s important to do every month because we are veterans and this is a way to give back and appreciate our military. Some of these parents could have the other parent deployed. To be away from your child when they are sick and to know that there is a support group to help your spouse is important. It’s our way of giving back and it’s an honor to do so.”
As the U.S. Navy's oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area's 10 branch health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.