It began the week before Thanksgiving.
In 2018, on a normal Monday night the week before Thanksgiving, our daughter Alice was diagnosed with an advanced cancer and rushed to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
That initial hospital stay lasted until Christmas.
"Friends and family wrapped their arms around us, salvaging our holiday by purchasing toys for our children and our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals."
Throughout Alice's years of treatment, the Child Life team was critical in her experience, providing her relief and comfort through the power of toys and play.
This play facilitated physical therapy, occupational therapy, and improved medical outcomes by providing psychological safety and reducing the stress and anxiety of treatment.
We do not accept the reality that this support is not universal.
Children are spending holidays, birthdays, and special occasions in the hospital, uncelebrated. So we fundraise to spread joy and healing, using every dollar donated to purchase gifts for kiddos spending their holiday season in the hospital.
Toys, crafts, and comfort items are hand-selected and curated by Child Life teams and hospital wish lists, and provided to families free of charge. No strings attached.
We hope you'll join us.
