For anyone, but especially a child, being in the hospital can be a scary experience. The environment is unfamiliar, procedures may be painful and separation from family and friends is stressful.

That’s why I am fundraising for Step Up for Kids in support of the Division of Family Services at Lurie Children’s. When you contribute to my Step Up for Kids fundraiser, you help to support a broad array of programs, activities and spaces designed to promote healing and recovery for children and empower their families to deal with the anxiety and challenges of illness and hospitalization.

Almost 100% of inpatient families at Lurie Children’s rely on these services, and they are almost entirely funded by philanthropy.

Here’s how your donations can make a difference:

$50 can help supply crayons, paper, paint and other arts and crafts supplies to give patients opportunities for creativity and engagement.

$100 will create sensory kits stocked with items to help support and calm patients with disabilities and sensory or mental health issues who may have more difficulty coping with the hospital environment.

$500 can purchase iPads to facilitate virtual visits between patients and family members who are not able to come to the hospital.

$1000 can purchase 10 adaptive communication toys for patients to take home.

Thank you for helping me reach my goal for the Division of Family Services and all of the patients and families at Lurie Children’s!

All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children’s Foundation.