The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital has fostered a community of volunteers and donors who support programs that help patients and families through difficult times. Their added resources are essential for advancing services at Comer Children’s that provide a supportive environment for patients and families.
Child Life Programs
Central to the mission of Comer Children’s is the emphasis on child life programs, which use a variety of therapies—educational, play, and music―to create a sense of normalcy for kids, while also helping them to understand their illness and treatment. Led by child life specialists, these programs cater to the psychological and developmental needs of each child, creating an environment that supports the patient and the entire family.
“We focus on individualizing the child’s experience. We consider where they are at developmentally, what the family is telling us, and what the child is telling us both verbally and non-verbally to provide holistic care to that child and family,” said Jennie Ott, director of the child life program.
Volunteers and the playroom
There to help families in whatever ways they need― perhaps watching kids so parents can go home and shower, staying with the siblings while patients are treated, or just acting as a distraction―volunteers help make Comer Children’s the hospital it is.
“I get to see the kids’ smiles when they pick toys, and they aren’t expensive toys, but they give them a break from thinking about their sickness and time to just be a kid,” said longtime volunteer and donor, Dan Bergey.
Often stationed within the playroom, volunteers help take the burden off parents. They play with patients and their siblings and are trusted by parents.
“Parents know someone is watching their kids and taking care of them so they can go home, get more supplies, clothes, and anything they need,” said Bergey.
Comer Service Committee
The UChicago Medicine Comer Service Committee raises funds for programs specifically designed to ease the burdens faced by hospitalized children and their families. Their initiatives include the annual Irish coffee fundraiser and silent auction, which brings together community members.
These efforts are not just about raising funds; they are about building connections and creating a sense of community for patients and their families during challenging times.
“It’s a worry when your kid is sick. It’s nice to know that somebody else understands that and wants to help. Some of the money we raise goes towards helping with transportation for families and other practical things so they can focus on their children,” said Gracemary Rosenthal.
Child’s Play
Comer Children’s Hospital also benefits from the support of Child’s Play, a charity that focuses on enhancing the hospital environment through cash and in-kind donations of virtual reality and gaming equipment. Understanding the power of play, Child’s Play has developed resources like the Therapeutic Video Game Guide, which helps staff incorporate gaming and technology effectively within the hospital setting.
Gaming nights offer kids the opportunity to socialize while at Comer Children’s and find a sense of normalcy.
Annual events
Comer Children’s hosts annual events such as the Comer Prom and Remoc’s Family Safety Fair.
“Comer Prom gives teens who, because of their medical conditions, cannot participate in their high school prom, an opportunity to get dressed up and socialize together,” said Ott.
The Family Safety Fair combines education on safety with play, featuring the Mobile Medical Unit, which brings care to children in Comer Chilren’s surrounding neighborhoods. The unit provides vaccinations; screenings for vision, hearing, lead poisoning and anemia; laboratory testing; acute care for illness or minor injuries; and sports physicals to children who may lack regular access to healthcare. The fair also includes a variety of back to school and safety giveaways, family entertainment (including music, games, and face painting), educational activities, and many resources provided by our community partners — all at no cost.
The collective impact
Comer Children’s admits patients from the Chicago area, the Midwest, and around the world. It provides world-class, complex medical care and expert emotional and psychological support through comprehensive therapeutic programs. Community involvement and support are essential components for driving the effectiveness and expansion of these programs.
“Any amount of money does have an impact, even if it’s donating a book or arts and crafts, or something from the Child Life Wish List. There are lots of different uses for the money and any one of those will brighten up a kid’s day, and that’s what everything is all about,” said Bergey.
