It's about the children...?

What does Herm have to do with the Children's Hospital in Michigan? If you ask us, we say..."Everything."

The lockout of the NHL 2004-05 season had many people suspecting that the league would never recover. The prolonged absence meant hockey fans would find other interests or simply just wander aimlessly away. When hockey returned so did its fans, sometimes in record numbers, proving that absence can, indeed, make the heart grow fonder.

We love our teams, we love the sport, and one needs to look no further than a Detroit Red Wings away game to know that their fans are spread out far and wide. Some of us are Detroit natives, transplanted by circumstance, some have never stepped foot in Michigan, but regardless of where we come from, we've all shared a common experience - watching the great city of Detroit ravaged by the current economic crisis. Whether we call it our home, or it's where we grew up, or it's simply the center point for a community we love, we all want to do our part to help.

Herm's 'pilgrimage' has led to commitments from over 100 fans from as far away as Europe to not just attend a game - but to meet our friends and visit our families. It's a reminder to us that no matter where we came from or how far away we are, Detroit is our second home, and we have to take care of our own.

Child Life Program Fund

Whether as an inpatient or outpatient, many children find hospital visits frightening and traumatic. Children’s Hospital of Michigan's Child Life Services make the hospital experience less stressful for our patients. Using kid-friendly techniques such as interactive play, our certified Child Life specialists offer comfort, support and education in the emergency room, at the bedside and in activity centers throughout the hospital. With the help of our generous donors, children can enjoy organized activities such as bingo, special visitors or school time that provide opportunities for peer interaction and a break from the hospital routine.

Children’s admits more then 14,000 children per year. An important part of their care is our ability to have them express how they are feeling, escape from daily stresses and socialize with others going through a similar situation. The Child Life Specialists use toys and games that serve an important therapeutic function by bringing a sense of joy and normalcy into the life of a sick child. At Children’s Hospital of Michigan, we are proud of the work that we do to treat the whole child – physically, mentally and emotionally.

By contributing to Child Life Services, you are also supporting in-hospital milestone celebrations such as birthdays, the Reach out and Read Program and interfaith spiritual care.