September 2023
Dear friend,
What’s your greatest fear?
Is it sitting in the dark? Public speaking or creepy crawly spiders? When I was little it was the monster under my bed. Maybe for you, it’s something else.
For 8-year-old Aila, fear was everything inside Blank Children’s Hospital. Even something as little as a band-aid was scary.
As a young toddler and being diagnosed with High-Risk B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, you can imagine how frightening it was to be poked, prodded and squeezed too many times to count.
Thankfully, you can be there to reassure Aila in the scariest of times.
With your gift to Child Life at Blank Children’s Hospital, you bring comfort, laughter, distraction and explanations to children undergoing treatment. Your support makes a big difference.
“The doctors, nurses and Child Life team made us feel like we were all family,” says Amy, Aila’s mom. “We became close with Aila’s care team, which made everything feel less daunting every time we came to Blank Children’s.”
Child Life took the time to get to know Aila and what her favorite things were. During every chemotherapy appointment and inpatient stay, Child Life, along with her nurses and doctors, painted her nails, created crafts and even broke out into dance parties. Sometimes, Aila would have a dollhouse delivered to her room to play dolls or princesses.
“It was the collective little moments – from toys to random acts of kindness – that worked together to give Aila a great experience and helped her through the darkest of days,” says Amy.
Child Life helped Aila and her big brother, Griffin by providing fun and distraction by letting him draw princesses for Aila and placing them around the hospital floor for her to find.
You might already know…Child Life Specialists ease the nerves of children and their families while in the hospital. They combine play with education to help explain medical procedures and provide distractions for children.
Child Life is not paid for by insurance or billed to patients. It is only because of generous people like you this program exists. And every dollar you give — 100% — goes directly to our Child Life program.
Can we count on you for support?
“Thank you for keeping this program going,” says Amy. “This chapter will forever be embedded in our memories. I truly don’t know how we could have gotten through everything without Child Life.”
Today Aila loves to dress up and feel glamorous, play dolls and dance with her big brother, Griffin. She is also celebrating five years of being cancer free this year!
Thanks to generous donor support, Aila doesn’t remember the pokes, fears and endless tears. She remembers the good parts of her visit to the hospital like the smiles, laughter and feeling brave when she conquered her fears.
The amazing work the Child Life team does every single day can’t be done without you. I hope you make a gift and support patients like Aila, and their families, by easing anxiety and bringing fun to the hospital.
Vice President and Medical Director Blank Children’s HospitalP.S. Your gift to Child Life brings comfort and healing to patients like Aila on difficult days. You’re giving the gift of play, fun and helping patients be kids again. Please make a gift by scanning the QR code or use the enclosed response card and place it in the envelope provided. Thank you!
P.S.S. Your support is appreciated! You have a special offer to the 40th annual Festival of Trees & Lights included as a thank you. Festival of Trees & Lights is the main fundraiser to support the Child Life program at Blank Children’s. I’ve included an admissions ticket, just for you – buy one get one. I invite you to attend this family-friendly event Nov. 24-26 and support the great work of our Child Life team (learn more at: festivaloftrees.com). See you there!
