For a child facing hospitalization, it can feel like an unfamiliar, frightening world—full of sterile walls, beeping machines, and long nights. But within these halls, there are everyday heroes working tirelessly to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy: Child Life Specialists.
This March, we’re celebrating Child Life Month by shining a spotlight on these compassionate experts who use play, creativity, and emotional support to help children navigate their hospital journey.
At Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, we believe that even in the hardest moments, children deserve to experience happiness. That’s why, in partnership with over 100 hospital partners across the country, we work hand in hand with Child Life teams to bring laughter, distraction, and relief to young patients.
“As a Child Life Specialist, our role is to reduce stress and anxiety for our paediatric patients and families while in hospital,” said Lisa, a Certified Child Life Specialist from Windsor Regional Hospital. “With the incredible distraction and comfort items that the Starlight Canada donates, we are able to provide patients and families with positive hospital experiences.”
Through programs like the Starlight VR, which transports kids into exciting new worlds through the power of virtual reality and play, or the Starlight Treasure Chest, where children get to choose a special toy after a tough procedure, or the Starlight Comfort Kits, filled with sensory and soothing items tailored to their age, we help turn fear into smiles.
“I’m so thankful for Starlight Canada’s various programs, as it supports our everyday work,” said Certified Child Life Specialist, Sherry, from HSC Winnipeg. “Items like Starlight Comfort Kits, which are tailored to various age groups, assist Child Life Specialists in providing age-appropriate distraction, developmental support, and fun for the patients.”
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and compassion of Child Life Specialists, who work tirelessly to create an uplifting environment for children facing the challenges of hospitalization.
This Child Life Month, you can gift Child Life Specialists like Lisa and Sherry with the essential tools they use to make hospital stays brighter for kids in your community. Our Hospital Wish List includes over 60,000 program requests—each one directly chosen by Child Life Specialists and frontline hospital staff who witness every day how these resources transform a child’s hospital experience. For as little as $50, simply select your local hospital, choose a gift from their wish list, and know exactly how your generosity is making a difference at starlightcanada.org/hospital-wishlist.
Your support directly impacts the work of Child Life Specialists, helping them transform a child’s hospital experience by ensuring that every child feels cared for. Together, we can make hospitals feel a little more like home for seriously ill children across Canada.