Eight-Year-Old Creates Mini-Documentary on St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Life
Benjamin Robinson's "Kid Cam" project details his battle with brain cancer.
St. Louis, MO (Vocus) April 7, 2010 -- Until last May, Benjamin’s Robinson’s greatest challenges were
mastering the Wii and choosing his favorite Chinese food restaurant. Now, the eight-year-old from Vergennes, IL,
is entering his twelfth month of therapy at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for a medulloblastoma, a form of
pediatric brain tumor.
With brain surgery, six weeks of radiation, and twelve months of chemotherapy behind him, and at least three
more months of chemotherapy to go, Benjamin is nearing the finish line of his grueling journey. It's a journey for
which his mom, Shelly Robinson, admits nobody could ever really prepare.
"He spent the first few weeks learning how to walk again after brain surgery," explains Shelly. "His ongoing care
is made up of so much more than the chemotherapy - he comes in for routine MRIs, vision and hearing
screenings, physical therapy, and educational assessments, just to name a few."
Recognizing a need to help educate new patients about the realities of brain tumors or other pediatric cancer
treatments, the hospital asked Benjamin if he'd be willing to share his personal experience.
Armed with a Flip camera and an outgoing personality, Benjamin interviewed many of the nurses, therapists, and
physicians – even hospital volunteers, involved in his regular care. The result is St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s
first "Kid Cam" video.
"While parents can learn about our programs by visiting our website, we really wanted to offer something more
personal for the children that captures the true hospital experience from a kid’s perspective," says Jackie Ferman,
Media Relations Manager. "Benjamin's Kid Cam video sends a message to others in his shoes that they're not
alone."
Benjamin's Kid Cam captures some of the scary moments he routinely encounters – like accessing the port used
to deliver his chemotherapy me