Abbie Lynch
Abbie is a 25 year old pediatric hospice nurse who works with children who are terminally
ill. As a pediatric hospice nurse, it is Abbie's job to help children live comfortably at home or in
a special hospice "home," and be happy and at peace during the time they have left. She also
helps the child's family during what can be a very difficult time.
Long before Abbie became a nurse she went through some difficult times of her own. As a child, Abbie had a hard time completing school work paying attention in class and seemed unable to follow directions. Abbie muddled through school until one of her eighth grade teachers encouraged Abbie's parents to have her tested. It was then that Abbie was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). [Editor's Note: ADD was the preferred term 15 years ago.] Once Abbie started receiving services, her life began to improve. Throughout high school Abbie explored career options through volunteering. She found she particularly enjoyed her volunteer work in the pediatrics wing of the local hospital.
During college, Abbie continued to use the strategies she'd learned in high school. Her college provided a tutor and Abbie became more organized, creating schedules and lists to keep herself on task. Abbie continues to use lists and color coding to keep her work in order. She loves cheerful colors and wears colorful clothes to brighten up the children's lives at the pediatric hospice. Although she continually has to remind herself to focus at work, Abbie knows now that sometimes she may only need a few minutes behind her closed office door to calm down and refocus.
Abbie owns a small house near the hospice. She likes being nearby in case any of her patients or their families need her. She has many friends, including her boyfriend, Kirk, who are supportive of her work and understanding of her difference. Abbie appears in the Kids on the Block programs on Pediatric Hospice and Children's Mental Health.
