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Proud Patient Champion for the Meaningful Miles Challenge!

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I am a Champion for all kids!
I am a Champion for all kids!

Please consider donating to my page!

Meet Bridgette

Hometown: Powell, OH

Age: 17 years old

Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder

 

Bridgette was 14 years old during her first visit to Nationwide Children's Hospital. She was evaluated for suicidal ideation and was sent home with a safety plan.


One year later, Brigette was admitted to a Behavioral Health Hospital. Next was a weekend stay and Intensive Outpatient Program at Butterfly Gardens, what is now the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion. Bridgette’s most recent
inpatient stay at Nationwide Children’s was a turning point. Each of the steps before brought progress, but the ten days inpatient with the Nationwide Children’s Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) program was different.

 

The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) program is a cognitive behavioral treatment that was originally designed to treat chronically suicidal patients but has evolved to show effectiveness in treating a wide range of mental health disorders. The program serves adolescents aged 13-18 who typically struggle with emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-harm behaviors or suicidal ideation.

 

During Bridgette’s last inpatient hospitalization, she spent time on the Psychiatry floor. She developed friendships with some of the other younger patients who made a lasting impact on her journey to recovery. Bridgette says, “Nationwide Children’s brought out a sense of confidence in me. I wasn’t afraid to ask for help and because of this I am truly a much better and happier person.”

 

Bridgette’s family couldn’t be more grateful for the programs she has participated in and the different ways her parents were included. Bridgette’s mom, Mandy, says, “We tried to help her on our own for quite some time and didn’t have the skills needed. If we didn’t take the time to try a variety of programs, Bridgette wouldn’t be where she is today. The work isn’t easy, and we had to keep persevering and doing what was needed because each time it was different.”

 

Bridgette’s been in private therapy since January 2019. Every day is challenging, but she has found ways to help her cope. Bridgette enjoys playing softball, reading, ceramics, photography, writing and working with kids. She loves laughing, practicing yoga, giving back to Nationwide Children's Hospital and starting an open conversation with teens struggling with mental health.

 

“Without Nationwide Children’s I would not be the person I am today. I would not have learned how to deal with everyday problems or how to be a decent person. Thank you for giving me hope, for being patient with me, for never giving up on me and my family,” says Bridgette.

 

Bridgette will be smiling and cheering on all the participants in the Meaningful Miles Challenge in 2020 and can’t wait to see you on the racecourse in 2021.

 

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Achievements
TeamRaiser Achievement Badge
$2,500 Fundraising Level
$2,500 Raised
Personal Progress:
of Goal
$4,767 Raised
$5,000.00
Fundraising Honor Roll
KEMBA Financial Match
$1,336
Mom, Dad, Natalie and Ashleigh
$250
Fabiano Family
$250
The McCauley Family
$250
Dotties Official
$236
Anonymous
Sandy Stewart
$100
Linda Hart
$100
The Femia family
The Landrigans
$100
Golias Family
$100
The Taylors
$100
Amy and Don Stewart
$100
Anonymous
Lori Graziani
$100
Mike Barnes
$75
Taylor & Shawn
Betsy and Becky
$50
Grandpa & Grandma Robek
$50
Holly and Heath
$50
Franki Sibberson
$50
Barhorst Family
$50
Amy Koons
$50
Katie Strawser
The Johnsons
$50
Nikki Woodruff
Ms. Abbey Jean Sells
$50
McDermott Family
$50
Stull Family
Randy and Olivia
$25
Gunn Family
$25
Hunter Ford
$25
Juli Parrish
Elisa Sendelbach
Melanie Shaw
Anonymous
$25
Taryn Rapp
Kimberly Pilya & family
Brenda
$25
Emma Hall
$25
The Piero's
$25
Anonymous
$25
Ravi Darbha
$25
Vanessa Smith
$25
The Godwin McNabb family
The Grohovsky Family
$25
Hartranft Family
$25
Laura Frat
Sue Golden
$25
Susie Stegner

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