Transforming medicine to help more children and their families
Philanthropy has never been more important at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, nor has the need been so great. Thanks to philanthropic events like Holiday Boutique, new diagnostic tests, innovative research and life-changing treatments are providing answers for families and changing the future for countless young patients we serve.
Many of our discoveries have profoundly changed pediatric medicine, while other game-changing projects are just getting started. Some of these programs and outreach opportunities are funded through the Women’s Committee grant process and supported by funding from the Holiday Boutique. Below are a few projects supported by funding from the Holiday Boutique.
Providing ADHD Care in Marginalized Communities
Families who have the greatest need for support to pursue evidence-based ADHD interventions often experience the greatest challenges in gaining access to the very programs designed to promote their empowerment. Funds from the Women’s Committee will enable Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to provide crucial and needed clinical services to 24 marginalized families, and to develop a program to improve access to care for other families who have been disproportionately affected by ADHD.
Support for Families After the Loss of a Child
The sad reality of a children’s hospital is that not every patient outlives their diagnosis. In the wake of a child’s passing, philanthropic support is crucial for bereavement support that is not paid for by insurance companies. Proceeds from the 2022 Holiday Boutique went towards guided support for bereaved families, the staff that care for them, and to the community. Resources are very limited to these populations following the passing of a child. CHOP’s Bereavement Team looks forward to being the epicenter of support, knowledge and comfort for families who need it most.
A Career Path for Young Adults With Disabilities
CHOP Career Path is a supported employment program for individuals between the ages of 17 and 30 with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Most youth served are living in poverty and experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity and difficulty paying for their basic needs including clothing, phone and documents vital to obtain employment. Funding from the Women’s Committee will allow participants to meet their basic needs and give them the freedom to focus on job training, job applications, interview skills, and ultimately, excelling in competitive employment opportunities.
Using Food as Medicine
The Integrative Health Program and Integrative Oncology Program in the Cancer Center are looking to support more families who seek an integrative, holistic-health approach for their children’s healing, specifically in using “food as medicine” as part of their child’s healthcare plan. In partnership with community and internal partners, CHOP has already brought Culinary Medicine education and care to limited patient populations, such as the Ketogenic Diet Program. With funding from the Women’s Committee, CHOP is able to expand this innovative and holistic approach to a larger community.
Improving Health Access for Refugees
For thousands of Afghan physicians, nurses, midwives, medical interpreters and public health specialists, 11 days in August 2021 drew an indelible dividing line between stability and chaos. Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the rapid fall of Kabul in 2021, more than 80,000 Afghan nationals were forced to evacuate their homes. Funding from the Women’s Committee is providing a one-year mentorship program designed to help an Afghan health professional develop professional networks and experience in the U.S. while concurrently improving CHOP’s capacity to care for children of Afghan evacuees, both locally and nationally.
