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9/5/2008 3:32 AM

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WAYNESBURG - Ben Remsing is quite familiar with the pediatric unit at Southwest Regional Medical Center.

The 13-year-old from Holbrook was diagnosed with hollow visceral myopathy, also referred to as intestinal pseudo-obstruction, when he was 2 years old.

According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, intestinal pseudo-obstruction is "a rare condition with symptoms like those caused by a bowel obstruction, or blockage. However, when the intestines are examined, no blockage is found. Instead, the symptoms are due to nerve or muscle problems that affect the movement of food, fluid and air through the intestines."

Since his diagnosis, Remsing has had 13 major surgeries and been under general anesthesia more than 40 times. "When a nurse, hospital employee or guest enters the hospital, they are coming into Ben's world," said the youngster's father, Richard. "Ben is more comfortable with medical terminology and reasoning than he is with his school work."

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Because Southwest Regional Medical Center has seen an increase in pediatric patients like Ben, the Auxiliary of SRMC has chosen to dedicate money toward making the hospital more child and family friendly. "Our goal is to help take away a child's fear of what's coming next, to make their stay not feel so long," said Alice Souders, president of the auxiliary. "We would like their stay to feel as much like home as possible."

Over the past two years, the auxiliary has redecorated rooms specifically for pediatric patients, which include hand-painted murals, game tables and a DVD player with kid-friendly DVDs.

Inspired by the work of the auxiliary, the 20th Century Club decided to help. The club was founded by Waynesburg mothers who work to raise money to support children's programs. In 2008 they made a donation of $230 to the Auxiliary of SRMC and designated it for pediatrics.

To determine what else they could do to make the hospital a more child-friendly place, the auxiliary decided to ask the expert, Ben Remsing.

His response: "A Play Station 3." The cost of the system, which is especially designed for hospital use, is approximately $5,000. This system is designed to endure the wear and tear of multiple users and offers infection control safeguards for pediatric patients. Young Remsing is spearheading a fundraising campaign to raise the money needed to purchase the gaming system.

Currently, he has raised $250. The auxiliary, along with SRMC, have agreed to match all funds raised by Remsing.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to support this project can call 724-627-2623. All donations made to the Auxiliary of Southwest Regional Medical Center, which is a nonprofit organization, are tax deductible.

Donations also can be sent to The Auxiliary of Southwest Regional Medical Center C/O SRMC, 350 Bonar Ave., Waynesburg, PA 15370.

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