UF Health Child Life Program Helps Bring Christmas Cheer to Patients
The UF Health Child Life Program was established to help children and families cope with the stress and anxiety of hospitalization. Child Life Specialists at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital are certified non-medical professionals who understand child development and provide interventions in an environment that will support normal growth and development.
In addition to their daily duties, the group along with nursing and unit staff makes an extra effort to help children who have to spend the holidays in the hospital feel comfortable knowing that “Santa Claus” visits UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, too. Click the link below to view a recent news story.
Pinellas Gator Club Donates More than $800 in Toys and Gift Cards to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Patients
On December 10, the Pinellas County Chapter of the UF Alumni Association hosted its holiday party benefiting UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. Shelley Collins, M.D., was the guest speaker at the event and members brought $600 worth of toys and cash/gift card donations valued at $240. All of the items were donated to UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. The Child Life Program will distribute the toys and gift cards to patients as part of its holiday gift program.
Tionna’s Walk
Tionna Moore is a 9 year-old girl who was diagnosed with AML Leukemia on October 1. She’s in need of a bone marrow transplant and several media outlets recently featured her story, highlighting her positive outlook and bringing attention to her care at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, the bone marrow drive and her family’s fundraising efforts. Below are links to the article, news stories and photo gallery.
- GTN: Local 9-Year-Old Raising Awareness for Leukemia
- Gainesville Sun article
If you’d like to help, please visit www.BetheMatch.org and the family’s Facebook page.
CMN’s First Festival of Trees Event a Success
The first Festival of Trees event hosted by CMN Hospitals on Dec. 4-6 and benefiting UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital was a success. There were 28 event sponsors, 14 tree donors, 14 tree bidders/winners, more than 100 VIP Preview Party attendees and the more than 600 community member visits throughout the weekend.
The event raised a preliminary net total of approximately $20,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital!
