Entertainer provides much-needed escape for young patients
June 2010
With the wave of a wand, giant bubbles shimmered center stage, and, for a few moments, smiles overcame young patients’ faces.
Bubble Lady Susan Durante offered this theatrical escape to children and their families at the Children’s Hospital Spring Carnival. Funded by Children’s Hospital Leadership Board members Ellen Ross and Jennifer Goldberg, the Bubble Lady’s magical procession of giant, shining orbs accomplished exactly what the Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program aims for – escape from anxiety, a sense of normalcy and family enjoyment despite being in the hospital.
Because children process information from the world around them much differently than adults, they have distinct needs for managing the effects of stress and trauma. Child Life specialists are trained to help children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events, engaging the power of play.
Special events such as the Spring Carnival offer something fun to look forward to on a calendar packed with tests, exams and treatments. They also offer families going through similar and challenging experiences the opportunity to interact and support each other.
The Child Life Program relies on donations of art supplies, toys, video games, entertainment tickets and monetary gifts to support its efforts to ease children’s fears during their hospital stay. In addition to supporting the Bubble Lady’s popular performance, the Ross family has donated Cavaliers and Browns tickets, giving families some “normal” time together. Previously, another family, the Galorenzos, donated a distraction machine through their foundation, established in memory of their son Daniel, to support Child Life’s mission. Light arrays, bubbles and graphics dance across this device, helping kids relax during imaging and procedures.
To make a gift supporting the Child Life Program of the Pediatric Institute & Children’s Hospital or any area of Cleveland Clinic, visit our secure online giving site, or call Institutional Relations and Development at 216.444.1245 or toll-free at 800.223.2273, ext. 41245.
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