Grateful family makes generous in-kind donation to child life services following hospitalization

Wade Dallo, a 7-year-old boy from Northern Michigan, was visiting the Detroit area when he suddenly fell ill. After undergoing surgery, Wade was faced with a lengthy hospital stay, which can negatively impact any child. That’s when Henry Ford certified child life specialists (CCLS) stepped in, offering comfort and positive experiences during his extended hospital stay.

The child life services team at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital creates an environment designed to ease children's fears and provide important emotional and psychosocial care, making hospital experiences as pleasant as possible for both children and their families.

The specialists respond to the psychosocial, developmental and emotional needs of patients and families to help children cope and process their hospitalization. A CCLS provides patient- and family-centered care throughout the hospital, helping children prepare for medical procedures, manage pain and emotions, adjust to new diagnoses and approach difficult experiences with effective tools.

“A hospital stay can be extremely stressful and unfamiliar for a child,” said Shay Jerzy, Lead Certified Child Life Specialist at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital, “Our child life service interventions are designed to reduce that stress and offer the child a sense of security while hospitalized.”

During his hospitalization, Wade spent two significant milestones away from home: Easter and his seventh birthday. Recognizing the emotional challenges these moments can present for any child and family, team members across departments came together to ensure Wade felt celebrated, supported and cared for beyond his medical needs.

On Easter morning, Wade was surprised with an Easter basket filled with toys and crafts to help pass the time. Days later, the team transformed his hospital room into a birthday celebration, complete with decorations, gifts and a chorus of caregivers singing him “happy birthday.”

As Wade’s condition improved and he was able to return to a regular diet, the hospital chef paid Wade a special visit. He was named “Chef of the Day,” chose his favorite meal and received a small gift and chef hat, which was signed with well wishes from the team. For a young patient who endured long days of treatment and dietary restrictions, this experience restored a sense of normalcy and joy.

With gratitude, Wade’s family made a donation to child life services at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital. The family was inspired by a previous grateful family who made the choice to donate toys after their child’s battle with cancer. The puzzles, games and toys donated as a gift-in-kind by Wade’s family will live in the pediatric playroom for all patients to enjoy.

“It’s great to see patients and families contribute to our child life services program once they see firsthand the true impact it can make,” said Jerzy, “Gifts like these impact the lives and care we provide our pediatric patients every day.”

Visit this link to make a gift to child life services at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital.