Programs

Jen's Room | FRECKLES | Jen's Lounge
Floating Hospital Talk | Lectures and Workshops

FRECKLES is the second project we started at Tufts Medical Center, where Jen was treated. This mobile unit brings Jen's spirit, and the resources of Jen’s Room, to more patients and visitors at the hospital.

It was brought to our attention that some patients' current state of health or stage of treatment prevents them from being able to leave their room and visit Jen's Room. FRECKLES, named after Jen’s cheery freckled face, is a mobile unit that brings entertainment, useful resources, and communication tools to those who need it most.

FRECKLES is a slim and easily moved station. FRECKLES consists of a computer with a top-of-the-line 22-inch flat screen monitor and a basket that holds a wireless keyboard, a wireless joystick, headphones, and a wireless mouse. Patients and their friends and family have free wireless internet on FRECKLES. In addition to being able to communicate with friends and family via e-mail and social media sites, users have access to video games, with a paid subscription to gametap.com, and online movies, with a paid subscription to netflix.com.

The Jen Di Reeno Foundation recognizes how important communication with the outside world can be for patients, to make them feel less isolated during their stay away from their usual, daily routine. FRECKLES provides the opportunity for patients and visitors to engage in certain activities – like downloading new music to their iPod or checking their e-mail – activities that a young adult would engage in when in their own room, in the comforts of their own home.

We also recognize the therapeutic effects of having fun through music, movies and games. These activities aid in stress relief and provide a way to ease the awkwardness that can be associated with hospital visits from friends.

FRECKLES I was launched in the summer of 2008 and has been a huge success with patients. FRECKLES II was built with generous support from Ipswitch Inc., and FRECKLES III is sponsored by Senior Whole Health.

If you would like to come see FRECKLES in action, please contact the Program Committee Chair at programs@jendireeno.org. Our Program Committee is interested in opportunities to show FRECKLES to other hospitals and other organizations. In addition, we are interested in hearing from individuals or corporations who want to learn more about sponsoring a future FRECKLES unit. You can help us spread the benefits of FRECKLES to more and more people.