by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman
Every day for weeks, Becky Wilson, a 7-year-old, turns on her laptop to make sure the webcam is working and starts a live video chat.
Although she has not been in school for a while, through the video hookup and a second laptop at school, she joins her class every morning solving math problems, listening to poetry and working on group projects.
The setup was donated to Georgetown University Hospital, whose pediatric oncology director believes that the availability of such technology can be a turning point for kids with cancer and other serious illnesses.
Leukemia, a cancer of the blood, weakens the immune system. White blood cells can drop rapidly, making it hard to fight infections. Becky described her condition to friends as her white cells leaving the building.
The classroom camera puts Becky in full view and she can see the kids. When she has a question, she raises her hand. Not only is it good for Becky, but such interaction helps the others see that she’s okay.
To find out more about this use of technology, access health@washpost.com
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