When a child spends the holidays in the hospital, the whole family spends them there too. Parents sleep in recliners. Brothers and sisters wait at home, or in a waiting room, while the season goes on without them.

That is why Countdown spent time this past holiday season at two Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta campuses, Scottish Rite and Arthur M. Blank Hospital. Our volunteers set up in The Zone, the hospitals’ play and activity space, with one goal: give patients and their families a few hours that felt like the holidays and not like a hospital stay.

 

Thanks to our partners at Reserve PS, 800 blankets were donated on behalf of Countdown and reached patients at both hospitals.

Reserve PS also provided Golden PS tickets, special experiences that families can enjoy after they go home. A blanket helps tonight. A Golden PS ticket gives a child something to look forward to on the other side of discharge, and for a family counting days, that matters.

The moment our volunteers keep talking about was a small one. Children chose toys for themselves, and then chose toys for their siblings.

Siblings of hospitalized kids give up a lot without being asked: time with their parents, their routines, sometimes their own holiday. Letting a patient pick out a present for a brother or sister turns a child who has spent weeks receiving care into the one doing the giving. Families told us it meant a great deal.

The rest of the day was just fun. Chick-fil-A, Domino’s, Bishoku Sushi, and Sweet Spot Cookies and Cakes provided meals and sweet treats. There were arts and crafts, games, raffles, and a very special visit from Santa.

Days like this take many hands. We are grateful to every partner and volunteer who made this one possible, and especially to:

  • Jennifer Dawood, Director of Member Engagement at Reserve PS, whose generosity and leadership made the blanket donation and Golden PS tickets happen.
  • CFAC Board Member & Hospital Event Chair Kimberly Gottschalk and Barbara Hurwitz, for their heart, dedication, and hands-on leadership.
  • The team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, for welcoming us into The Zone.

Showing up for these families is everything to us. Being present in these hospitals, bringing energy into the room, and standing with children and their families during the holidays is a reminder of who this work is for.

If you would like to help us show up again this season, donate or get involved.