Child Life Fund

We are seeking to raise $250,000 to allow the Child Life Program to reach more young patients and their families. Our greatest need is to provide services on weekends, because a child's need to play doesn't end on Friday afternoons. We would also like to help families in distress who come to University Hospital's pediatric emergency room, as well as children who receive care in the hospital's outpatient clinics.

The Healing Power of Play

"I can't imagine a hospital stay without the Child Life Program. The only way we can get my son to go to the hospital in the morning is to remind him that he can go to the playroom. After he plays, he's so happy."

— One mother of a four-year old being treated for cancer playroom.

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Play with a Purpose

A trip to the hospital can be a stressful experience, but at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, play is just what the doctor ordered.

For over 50 years, the Child Life Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has been helping children overcome their fears through therapeutic play activities. Founded by Ruth Plimpton, while her husband Calvin Plimpton, M.D., was president of Downstate, it was one of the first hospital-based pediatric programs to promote healing through play. The Child Life Program provides a child-centered environment, where children can recover, physically and emotionally. Normalizing the  experience helps children cope better while still feeling like children.

The Playroom is the hub of the Child Life Center designed for children of all ages. It houses  a secure space for infants and toddlers, a housekeeping and dress-up area for pre-school and school-aged children, a place for those who like quiet play and a central activity area. For those who are drawn to technology, there are computers, iPads, and Nintendo switches to utilize. Medical procedures are never performed here as the playroom is a procedure-free zone. This helps to allow the children and their parents to relax in a stress-free environment.

Separation from family and friends is hard for children who are hospitalized therefore,  the Child Life Center is often the place for birthday and seasonal celebrations.  Other services include a musician from Music That Heals providing music therapy twice per month, as well as numerous activities both at bedside and in the playroom with students from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

The Child Life Program

Please consider an online gift to the Child Life Fund or visit our Ways to Give page for information on other ways to donate.