How Gifts Help Children’s Memorial

What began as an eight-bed cottage hospital has since grown into one of the most respected pediatric care and research centers in the world, where doctors, nurses, and scientists work together to understand and heal a wide array of children’s afflictions. Children’s Memorial is grateful to our supporters who have helped secure the promise of a brighter tomorrow for the children and families in our care.

Here are some of the many ways your gift makes a difference at the hospital:

• Interpreters to help families

  Philanthropy made it possible to add two new positions in our surgical division, including a Spanish-language interpreter and a social worker, who are supporting our quest to provide superior care to an ever-growing and changing patient population.

• Recruiting the best medical minds

  The arrival of Barry Wershil, MD, the new Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, marks an important development for patients with digestive disorders. We are grateful to our family of donors for providing the unrestricted support that made his recruitment possible.

• Emergency financial support

  Our social work team sometimes identifies families with severe financial needs that may hinder their ability to care for their sick child. Nearly 1,200 families received emergency financial assistance fully funded by philanthropy during the past year for this reason. One such child required frequent hospital visits for cancer treatment. His parents both held jobs but could not afford parking fees and his illness made public transportation an unsafe option. Modest financial support helped the family afford transportation to their son’s medical appointments.

• Helping patients lead full lives

  Donor support helps our Spina Bifida Transition Clinic offer patients who have advanced to adulthood the best chance of achieving a high quality life. Many of the 300 spina bifida patients over the age of 25 who continue treatment at Children’s Memorial need help in transitioning to independent life and careers. Our staff teach activities central to daily life and help these adults locate community resources for job hunting.

• Advancing the next generation of caregivers

  Steven Clifford Aller, MD, PhD is in the second year of his fellowship which is funded by philanthropy. His training has two aims: to enhance his skills as a physician to children with cancer and to focus on laboratory research regarding stem cell transplantation. His goal to become a physician-scientist and to pursue cures and compassionate care is advanced thanks to support from our donors.

For more information, contact Children’s Memorial Foundation at 773.880.4237 or foundation@childrensmemorial.org.