enCouraging Happiness Inside the Hospital

At enCourage Kids, we’re serious about spreading smiles to as many children facing health challenges as possible. With our Hospital Happenings, we encourage smiles throughout the walls of our partnered hospitals. From our entertainer program, to funding hospital parties, to being hands on with patients, everyone’s spirits are instantly lifted with enCourage Kids hospital programs.

Over the past year nearly 2,309 Hospital Happenings have taken place, serving 37,698 enCourage kids and their families.

In Albany, our staff becomes very intimate with the programs we provide Albany Medical Center and St. Margaret’s. For kids who can’t join our group activities, we go room-to-room to spread the love, tailoring crafts for kids who are bound to bed. Perhaps you have a child currently enduring their first stay in a hospital bed? I’m sure every parent would happily buy a gift for their child when they’re sick, look into this custom photo blanket website to make their hospital stay a little more comforting. Even with new hospital furniture from sites like mobiloc, this can create a positive atmosphere for the family and kids at the hospital. For any children who are spending their first night in a hospital alone, it’s important to stay calm and ask for help if you need any. Staff members at hospitals will be more than happy to help. Normally, they will be wearing promotional branded clothing with the hospital logo and name on. This lets children know that they work there and that they can help. Children shouldn’t be scared.

If you know of a family that has a child in the hospital and you’re wanting to show how much you care and love them, you could look into getting sympathy gifts for the parents, it will more than likely go a long way for the parents well being while they’re struggling with an ill child.

David Mahoney, President and CEO of Noble Gas Solutions, describes our Hospital Happenings as, “bringing light and hope in the monotony of a hospital room.” David and Noble Gas have generously sponsored this year’s Albany Hospital Happenings, joining us in our Super Hero Day at Albany Medical Center.

“It is heartbreaking to think about the reality of an extended hospital stay for children and their families, but it is a humbling experience to know that our contribution makes living with and overcoming these health challenges more bearable,” David shared.

“We are proud to support enCourage Kids as we recognize the importance of the initiatives they facilitate, and in showing us how to change lives one smile at a time. “

In our New York City hospitals, we provide more than 46 facilities with entertainers like clowns, magicians, and musicians. Laughter is spread throughout the halls of these hospitals each month, as our entertainers have regularly scheduled visits.

Thanks to our dedicated donors, we sponsored 83 parties at 40 different hospitals throughout the tri-state area last year, totaling $19,523.64 of support from enCourage Kids. This funding contributed to party decorations, food, activities, and crafts.

Providing hospitals with these fun-filled days allows our enCourage kids to get out of their rooms, socialize with others, and participate in different activities that they wouldn’t normally be able to do.

Child Life Specialist Lisa Duggan from Albany Medical Center explained, “Often, patients tell us that enCourage Kids’ Hospital Happenings help brighten their day by adding a cheerful presence and fun to the hospital. Parents have expressed appreciation during Hospital Happenings for seeing their child smile and ‘just be a kid’ in the midst of medical treatment.”

One of our most recent and memorable hospital parties was Stony Brook Children’s Hospital‘s first ever Prom Night. On June 11^th, more than 50 pediatric patients and their guests walked the red carpet on a star-studded night. Prom is a night every teenager looks forward too, but when you are a teen with a chronic or terminal illness nights like these are not always possible. With our help, Stony Brook made it possible for these teens to dance the night away and enjoy their special prom night.

We are proud to support entertainer visits, craft days, and hospital parties like Stony Brook’s Prom night. At enCourage Kids, we recognize that these small events and activities can make the day of children and their families in the hospital setting. Through our Hospital Happenings, we truly encourage each child to keep the smiles coming.