A Child Life Specialist at BCCH helps make hospitalization more positive by minimizing the stress and trauma that can affect children and families during such a challenging time. The Child Life Team focuses reducing anxiety, and promoting coping through play, education, and support. Balding for Dollars funds key Child Life interventions, including:
- Resources for lengthy hospital stays
- Supplies for developmental and therapeutic activities
- Craft supplies for daily patient programs
- Materials to help patients and families cope with new diagnoses
- Resources for seasonal celebrations and birthdays
- Tools to explain medical procedures
- Distraction items for difficult procedures
- Music therapy supplies for coping and self-expression
Balding for Dollars also supports the annual Remembering Our Children Tea, an event that honors children from oncology/hematology/BMT programs who passed away. Families gather to share memories, grief, and connect with others and their past healthcare team, continuing our mission to support beyond treatment.