The Singin' Chaplain

By Kelly Baughman

When our daughter, Melissa, was 5 years old she was rushed to Children's Hospital following an intense case of the chicken pox and an unnoticed drug reaction. Our world changed. The length of time her body had been fighting the Chicken Pox and the devastating drug reaction left permanent damage, two-thirds of her immune system was gone. She was diagnosed as only the second case in the world with this rare immune deficiency. Her immunologist worked diligently on her case giving her consistent immunotherapy, but the unforeseen result was her death on March 14, 1994, at the age of 7.

The loss of Melissa has been very difficult for Kathy (my wife), our son Brad, and me. We have spent many days, months and years in the healing process. Our faith and our support from family and friends have been paramount in our journey.

Kathy and I have always been very grateful to Children's Hospital for their incredible work with us. The doctors, nurses and numerous support staff were genuinely caring and professional in their interaction with Melissa as well as us. Kathy and I made friends with staff members and other families at Children’s and continue to keep in contact with some of those we met. We still recall the joy she had during Christmas when Santa came and special times of feeding the fish with Doug. Those moments are permanently etched in our hearts.

Following the numerous years spent at Children’s Hospital and ultimately Melissa’s death, I made some very significant life changes. I felt a definite "call" into ministry and began getting the necessary education to serve. Gradually I completed my pastoral education, served in a local church, and became an ordained minister.

The experiences I had at Children’s Hospital were influential in my decision to pursue a ministry to the sick and suffering. I spent 3 years being trained and certified as a healthcare chaplain and began serving at local nursing homes, and a community hospital. I came back to Children’s Hospital in the spring of 2005 and approached the Pastoral Care Department in hopes of volunteering as a healthcare chaplain. There really wasn’t a need for a chaplain at that time, so I offered the Child Life Department some music and songs to the kids, families and staff, which brought a lot of joy and healing. My guitar, harmonica and original Children’s songs have been well received.

Someone once asked me, "What do you call yourself?" I said, "Well, I guess I could be called, The Singin’ Chaplain", which best describes the music/heart ministry I offer people at Children’s. Believe me; I am blessed every time I come to the hospital. I get great joy in sharing my music, my children’s CDs, a listening ear, a word of encouragement and of course, God’s love."