You helped us care for the whole child and family

Specially trained Child Life specialists help our patients and their families cope with being in the hospital by providing individualized therapeutic experiences. Child Life helps the hospital feel more like home by offering family meals, fun and distraction in the playrooms and the bedside, coordinated activities and visits from special guests. The Child Life Program is funded 100% through philanthropy and wouldn’t be available without you!

Child Life Specialist Brittni Jegerlehner uses medical play to help Teddy understand what will happen when he has his tonsils and adenoids removed. “Child Life helped demystify the process and make it less scary. We’re sitting here as parents watching and soaking in all the information too, and feeling more at ease knowing that Teddy is less anxious,” said Teddy’s mom, Sam.

Aaliyah is a frequent patient at the hospital who travels to Madison for care. Play and crafts keep her busy when she’s at the hospital alone. Aaliyah explains to Child Life Specialist Alex Gretkowksi that her doll needed to go to the hospital for a checkup.

Sofia is excited to be Kiko’s 1,000th patient visit. Kiko is a specially trained facility dog and one of two four legged members of the Child Life staff. Kiko’s handler, Child Life Specialist Brianna Peterson, has been a part of Sofia’s care team since she was 18 months old. Kiko became a part of Sofia’s therapy in September 2021. Brianna has witnessed Kiko’s impact and shared, “Sofia looks forward to her visits even though she gets many injections because she is so excited to see Kiko.”

Aleah swapped stories about her favorite hobby—fishing—with University of Wisconsin–Madison football players Nathan Vakos and Gavin Meyers.

University of Wisconsin–Madison football player Nick Evers reads to Charlie as part of Book it With a Badger.

Ethan loves dogs and is excited to visit with Moose, a Caring Canine volunteer. The dogs and their owners visit children and families at the bedside to provide a simple cuddle and calming influence.

Matias gives a thumbs up with Forward Madison FC soccer players.

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