Michael Mansaray is only 12 years old, but he has been an NIH healthy volunteer for over six years. In addition to keeping up with his classwork in the seventh grade and participating in a variety of sports, art programs, and music lessons, Michael enjoys being part of the NIH healthy volunteer program. He has volunteered to take part in many different NIH studies ranging from computerized games to a study of the brain using an MRI.
Q: How many different studies have you participated in?
A: I have participated in about 11 different studies, or 'protocols' as my mom calls them.
Q: Of all the protocols that you have participated in, which one was your favorite?
A: In January, I participated in a study that evaluates eating behaviors in children. It is a really cool study. You eat breakfast and lunch at NIH and get to choose different foods to eat during lunch. The foods were all yummy. And the best part is that you get paid for eating.
Q: Do you enjoy volunteering as an NIH healthy volunteer?
A: Yes. I like the fact that by participating, I am helping the doctors find ways to help other children. I also like making a little money.
Q: What have you learned about medicine and hospitals since you started volunteering?
A: I learned that it is important to wipe the skin with alcohol before sticking a needle to draw blood. I also see many sick children who come with their parents to see their doctors, so I am glad to help them. All of the people at the NIH, the doctors and nurses work very hard and it takes a lot of effort to organize a research study.
Q: What advice do you have for other kids who might be interested in being a healthy volunteer?
A: Don't be scared to participate. Try to get involved in many different kinds of studies. It is cool that you can help other children who are sick all over the world. Also, always ask the nurse if they can put some Emla cream on your hand before drawing blood. It works really well and then you don’t even feel the blood draw.
Michael's Mom, Mandy Mansaray:
Q: What was your motivation for allowing your son to participate in the NIH healthy volunteer program?
A: As a health care provider myself, I am aware of many illnesses that plague children for which there are no treatments. Clinical research attempts to answer questions as to why these conditions exist and what kind of treatment can be developed to combat the illnesses. When children participate as healthy volunteers, the data can be used to compare to data obtained from children with the condition that is being studied and this may enable the doctors to find and develop treatments.
Q: Would you recommend the NIH healthy volunteer program to other parents whose children are interested in participating?
A: Absolutely. It is the only way that new treatments and new medications can be developed by science.