Editor's Note: There are many wonderful patients and families that come through the doors at Le Bonheur Children's. In the Patient Spotlight series, our hope is to share some of their stories and get to hear from the patients themselves.

By Cassie Gorman
Child Life Specialist

What do volcanoes, Christmas in New York, and meatballs have in common? 11-year old Andrea  Ruth, or "Dre", as her fan club at Le Bonheur affectionately calls her. Dre has been at Le Bonheur for the past 44 days.  It has been such a joy to get to know Dre that I thought you would like to meet her too.

• Tell us about yourself. "I was born in New Orleans, but now I stay in Millington. I have one brother at home and one brother in Louisiana. I will be in junior high next year."
• What is your favorite color? "I like pink, purple, and light blue."
• Do you have any hidden talents? "I can make volcanoes."
• What is your favorite book? "Mother Goose"
• What have been your favorite activities during your hospitalization? "Art therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy"
• What are your favorite child life activities? "Art and I-Spy books"
• Tell me about what are your favorite things outside of the hospital. "I love to play with clay, sing, bubbles, dancing, boys, and to cook meatballs in the kitchen."
• Tell us what brought you to Le Bonheur. "My tummy is sick."
• What is your favorite music? "I like rock and pop. My favorite song is 'Take It All' by Kesha"
• What do you want to be when you grow up? "A scientist"
• What is your favorite TV show? "iCarly"
• Which hospital bandaids do you like the best? "The ones with Sylvester on them."
• What do you think is the best hospital food? "Spaghetti"
• Name an adventure you would like to go on in the near future. "I want to go skydiving, celebrate Christmas in New York, and go to Europe."