Silver Cross Nutrition Services Manager’s Comic Book Donations Provide Super Times for Young Patients

Silver Cross Hospital Manager of Nutrition Services Nicholas Mosz figures he was about five years old when he got hooked on comic books. Now, after nearly 35 years of collecting, he’s helping kids and teens pass the time while they’re patients at the 348-bed hospital in New Lenox.

“When I still had time to go directly to the children’s floor, I visited one room where the mom and child were so happy with a copy of a Spider-Man comic book,” he said.

“I learned that he was a fan, like my kids, of the TV show, ‘Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.’ But his mom had forgotten the charger for his tablet, so he couldn’t watch it. The comic book made him happy and got her off the hook!”

Mosz has donated some 70 comic books, and they’re always appreciated by patients. While he used to deliver them himself, his expanded role overseeing food services for patients and visitors keeps him busy in the Nutrition Services Department.

Now he brings them to the hospital’s Volunteer Services Department to distribute on their Silver Service Cart, which makes regular rounds in patient care areas. The cart distributes a host of items patients enjoy.

“I hear they really enjoy them. That makes me happy.”

As a youngster, Mosz said, he bought his comic books at a store in Lockport, getting the needed funds from allowance. He continued collecting throughout his years, including after moving to Frankfort.

“I’m a regular at Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics in Frankfort. And each May, they give away comic books. One time, I asked them if I could get a bunch to donate at Silver Cross. They said absolutely.”

So, each May, Mosz gathers a selection of comic books for various ages, making sure the content is age-appropriate.

Mosz’s kids are into comic books now too, and he still has a solid collection himself!

“My oldest one is ‘Amazing Spider-Man #31, where they introduced Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborn,” he said. “But I would trade my entire collection for the first issue of Wolverine. He’s my favorite, along with Spider-Man and Batman.”

So Mosz was thrilled when he recently received a copy of “Hulk #181,” containing the first appearance of Wolverine, as a very early 40th birthday gift.

And even if the patients who enjoy his comic book donations don’t develop a lifelong passion like he has, Mosz hopes it gives them a little joy while they’re at Silver Cross.

“I feel like it’s one small way I can give back for all my good times at Silver Cross,” he added.

To learn more about Silver Cross, visit silvercross.org