It was a quiet group—the folks who just received their COVID-19 vaccines.
As they sat in socially distanced chairs for 15 minutes of observation, people checked their phones, read books or looked around the room.
And then Kathy Kammeraad, a respiratory therapist, broke the stillness.
“OK, everyone,” she called out. “Since you got your shot, you are now an honorary member of the Spectrum Health rowing team.”
She broke into song, waving her arms as she led the group in a unique version of a childhood classic:
“Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the lake.
The more you move your arm today,
The less it’s going to ache.”
People looked up and smiled. They rowed their arms. They sang along with Kammeraad.
And they got the message—delivered with a song and smile: Moving their arms can prevent soreness after an injection.
“It’s fun,” Kammeraad said with a laugh. “I’m just a silly girl. I don’t know enough to be embarrassed.”
As a singing respiratory therapist, Kammeraad combines a love of song, rhyme and health care to bring a noteworthy performance to Spectrum Health’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
On a recent Friday, while working at a clinic at New Hope Baptist Church, she performed for an appreciative audience.
“She did a great job,” said Carol Claybrook, who had just received her second dose of the vaccine.
The playful approach served as a good reminder to move her arm after the injection, she said.
“It’s entertaining while we are sitting here waiting,” she added. “And we need all the fun we can find now.”
For Mary and James Moore, the songs brought back fond childhood memories—especially “The Hokey Pokey.”
“It made me feel enthusiastic,” Mary said. “I was singing along with her. It makes the whole experience of being here fun.”
‘The Hokey Pokey’
Kammeraad, who has worked for Spectrum Health for 30 years, usually cares for patients at Zeeland Community Hospital. She performs pulmonary function tests and delivers breathing treatments.
Sometimes, she cares for patients with COVID-19 who are on ventilators.
After seeing people struggle with illness, she finds it rewarding to help at the vaccine clinics, in hopes of keeping people healthy.
Adding the songs came naturally for her.
Her father was a square dance caller. And as a child, Kammeraad toured the country with her family, performing square dances.
“It’s in my blood to perform,” she said.
After a quiet 10 minutes, she decided it was time for another song.
“Show me your shot arm,” she asked the group.
People raised their arms.
And then she burst into her own version of “The Hokey Pokey.”
“You put your shot arm in.
You put your shot arm out.
The more you move your arm today,
The less you’re going to pout.”
Again, plenty of smiles.
And even after the song ended, patients continued to stretch and move their arms.
Message received.
How Fun!! Every vaccination place could use someone like her. Nice job Kathy!
How wonderful! And, what a great face to put forward to represent Spectrum Health.
KK – you are an awesome woman!
I am so glad SH did an article on Kathy! The first time I saw Kathy interact with community was at a 60th St clinic and knew this was just the way to engage those that were apprehensive about coming in and now had hope in their eyes. It’s more than vaccinating, it’s caring for the communities we serve and Kathy did exactly that! Who knew a simple children’s song would bring many smiles and laughter in a time that there is so much apprehension and seriousness? Thanks so much Kathy, I look forward to seeing you at future clinics!
Thanks Kathy for bringing joy
And she truly does bring joy. It was interesting to see the smiles appear when she started singing. People really got a kick out of her mini performances.
Kathy has always been full of life and a lot of fun!!! I’m glad to see that her zest for life and fun are acknowledged and valued!! I love that girl!!!!
As my cousin, I have always been impressed with her spontaneity and talent. My sister was in Maycroft Square Tappers with Kathy and her sisters. They were amazing! She has taken those gifts and shared them with the world and continues to do so with the community! So proud! Pat M.
I knew you eventually would pick up on her singing and feature her. She is too great to keep a secret. I have been at several clinics with her and she is just great. Brings huge smiles to all she is around.
So Awesome!
I absolutely loved this! what a terrific way to put Fun into getting a vaccine – wish you would have been there the days I received mine! 🙂
Thank you for being you, Kathy! This story made me admire you even more.
Kathy is so much fun at work and outside of work.I am blessed to know Kathy through work and have had the opportunity of working alongside Kathy. She always is so enthusiastic and full of life. She is so creative and fun too. She brings a smile to people’s faces and lights up the room wherever she goes.She touches so many lives in positive ways. Thank you Kathy for helping out at the vaccine clinics and bringing fun and enthusiasm to people when I feel they need it the most during these uncertain times.