3 minute read
Aila's Brave Story: Fall 2023
Dear friend,
What’s your greatest fear?
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.
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.
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.
P.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 using the link below. Thank you!
Donate Online: bit.ly//CHILDLIFE23
VIEW PHOTOS OF AILA HERE:
