FIU medical students, in partnership with Miami-based nonprofit Jar of heARTS, turned wait time into playtime for young patients at the KIDZ Medical Hematology/Oncology Clinic, a private practice inside Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
It all started with an Instagram DM from Elizabeth Hiciano, founder and CEO of Jar of heARTS, to the Oncology Interest Group at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. She hoped to collaborate—what followed was something special.
Jar of heARTS, dedicated to helping children overcome trauma through art and enhancing their hospital experience, envisioned transforming the KIDZ waiting room into a vibrant paint-and-play space that would bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to patients and their families. “We want children to experience joy and creativity, even in the midst of treatment,” Hiciano said.
David Harbaugh, a second-year medical student and co-president of the Oncology Interest Group, was at the other end of that DM. “I’ve seen firsthand how cancer strips away the joys of childhood,” he said. Having lost family members and friends to cancer, Harbaugh was inspired to shadow a pediatric oncologist and hematologist in high school—a decision that solidified his decision to pursue medicine and fueled his dedication to this cause. “When I heard Elizabeth’s story about how many of these children spend most of their time in the clinic, I knew I had to help,” he said.
Harbaugh and Cameron Spangler, a second-year medical student and president of the Medical Student Council, toured the clinic with Hiciano and saw the potential to make a difference. They rallied their peers to launch several fundraising initiatives, including T-shirt sales, Pie-a-Panther Day, and a BINGO campaign where medical students completed quirky activities to raise funds. Additionally, three watercolor paintings by a 9-year-old neuroblastoma survivor, donated by Jar of heARTS, were sold at the College’s annual Breast Health Initiative art show.
In just a couple of months, students surpassed expectations, raising more than $9,000—well beyond their original $6,500 goal. “I was elated,” Hiciano said. “But after meeting David and Cameron, I knew these students were dedicated to going above and beyond.”
The grand reveal of the new “Paint and Play While You Wait” room showcased a bright, inviting space with freshly painted white walls and 32 new hospital-grade chairs. Pretend play stations and toys fill every corner, while low storage units—perfectly positioned at children’s eye level—are stocked with art supplies. Beyond the physical upgrades, the additional funds raised will sponsor five months of special events for children and their families at KIDZ. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together,” Hiciano said.
To commemorate the achievement, Jar of heARTS presented FIU Medicine with a plaque, now displayed in the new space, recognizing the students’ “unwavering efforts to enhance the patient and family experience.”
With the remodel complete, FIU medical students are now looking forward to continuing their collaboration with Jar of HeARTS, volunteering at upcoming events and during clinic days at KIDZ.