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Community Corner

Bryn Mawr Hospital Hosts Candy Exchange

Tuesday night in the hospital cafeteria, 100 young diabetics traded in their sweets for treats.

Libby Lerch was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old. Though her mom Lisi goes to lengths to make sure she doesn't feel left out at home with her restrictions—her two younger siblings are effectively on a diabetic diet as well, holidays like Halloween can be difficult. That's why she's so grateful for the Diabetic Candy Exchange Party.

"I wish I had these nurses's addresses, I'd send them each flowers," Lisi Lerch gushed during Tuesday's exchange, where Libby and other area kids with diabetes came to trade in their sugar-loaded hauls of the night before for gift certificates and healthier treats. "It takes all the anxiety and stress out of the holiday, for me and her."

Kelly Ann Zazyczny, a pediatric nurse at the hospital who's run the exchange for the last three years, said it allows diabetic kids to take part of the fun of trick-or-treating without compromising their health. Rather than sit on the sidelines, Libby went door-to-door as a witch.

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"The candy they collect is their admission to the party," said Zazyczny, who added that this year, in addition to hanging out with the Villanova Wildcats mascot and enjoying a Zoo on Wheels, the kids who came received a goodie bag with gift cards, movie passes and toys. Each young attendee also got tickets for a raffle whose prizes included a membership to the Philadelphia Zoo.

The 10th year program has been such a hit that the hospital is considering expanding it to kids with other dietary restrictions.

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"We might make it bigger to include kids who have peanut allergies or Celiac disease," she added.

For now though, Zazyczny said the nearly 100 kids who come are an inspiration to she and the rest of the event's organizers.

"They're our role models. These kids do what they're supposed to do. They exercise, they eat well, they take care of themselves. They don't end up back in the hospital."

Except for, of course, the day after Halloween.

As for all the candy they collect, Zazyczny says it doesn't go to waste either: the hospital gives it to the patients in its pediatric care and psychiatric units.

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