Let's Take a Break

Updates on influenza A (H1N1) - that's what the World Health Organization is calling the swine flu now - are on the front page of every newspaper, and details about the latest school closings lead every TV newscast - as they should. As we mentioned yesterday, being a little extra cautious is a good M.O. these days. If you're looking for reliable, up-to-date information, check the Children's home page.

But, if you're like me, you need of a diversion, a break to think about anything else. Care to join me?

Did you see Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are expecting twins? A surrogate mother is carrying the couple's twin girls. Celebrities and their star power - they're always reminding us, in a very public way, that a family can be created in so many beautiful ways.

Researchers have found the first common genetic link to autism, which could potentially account for 15 percent of the disease's cases. This finding doesn't immediately offer hope for a cure, but it does help us better understand autism's underlying causes. And that's a big step for a lot of parents out there who are eager for an explanation.

And everyone's favorite blonde bombshell has a tattoo. What do you think about Barbie getting inked? Are you ok with the 50-year-old American icon having a tattoo? Do tell.

How do you feel about Barbie's new tattoo?

Swine Flu: Experts are Erring on the Side of Caution, and You Should, Too

You've probably heard, the CDC confirmed today the first swine flu-related death in the US - a 23-month-old toddler in Houston- and the World Health Organization upgraded its pandemic alert level to 5, calling a swine flu pandemic "imminent." Heck, the state of Texas went so far as to cancel all high school sports and other UIL meets for two weeks. A lot of parents are wondering, "Is it really that bad?"

Infectious diseases experts are erring on the side of caution, and you should, too.

Skip large gatherings, at least for now. Cover your cough. And wash your hands.

While we haven't seen any confirmed cases of swine flu here at Children's, we have seen an influx of children in the Emergency Department - three times as many as a normal day - who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

It's important to remember, your primary care provider should be your first call. Testing can be done in your pediatrician's office to determine if that fever, accompanied by sniffles, sneezes and sore throat, is, in fact, the flu.

There's a lot of information out there. And some of it is downright scary. For reliable, up-to-date information on the swine flu, check back regularly to the Children's web site. We're working 'round the clock to keep you informed.

Swine Flu Reaches North Texas

If you've read a newspaper or caught the tale end of a newscast in the last four days, you're probably aware: the swine flu has crossed the border. In fact, WFAA is now reporting that it's here in North Texas. A Richardson elementary school has closed its doors for the rest of the week because one student tested positive for the virus.

Fortunately, the cases reported here in the United States have been mild, and few people have required hospitalization. But, Dr. Jane Siegel, a UT Southwestern infectious diseases specialist at Children's Medical Center, says we need to take prevention seriously.

Unfortunately, the flu shot you got earlier this year won't protect you from this strain (but hopefully it did the trick against the regular ol' seasonal flu). So, what can you do?

It seems simple, but the best defense against the flu is good hygiene.

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (either with warm, soapy water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer)
  
• Cover your cough
• Dispose of used tissues

A few other tips to minimize your risk - avoid crowds (even the mall), limit unnecessary public transportation, including flights, and DO NOT go to school or work if you feel lousy.

The symptoms look and feel similar to those associated with seasonal flu. Get to your primary car provider if you or your kiddo has a fever, cough, congestion, body aches, and/or sore throat, all of which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Stay well.

The Seedy Side of Texting

In the old days, parents relied on a sweet little allegory about the birds and bees to talk with their kids about sex. Today's parents don't have it quite so easy. The conversations are starting earlier, they're getting much more detailed and they're carrying more weight than ever before. Take "sexting," for example.

This new-ish term describes the trend of sending and receiving sexually explicit photos via text message. And before you write this one off as bizarre, a national survey suggests as many as 20 percent of teens admit to participating in sexting.

This trend is disturbing on many levels, but aside from the obvious ones, did you know many prosecutors are calling this child pornography? According to CBS News, six teens from Pennsylvania were charged with a felony for their participation in either sending or receiving a naked photo text.

Dr. Pete Stavinoha, a child psychologist at Children's and a father, himself, says all the recent news coverage of sexting can actually help start a dialogue with kids.

"Because sexting has gotten so much press lately, there is no shortage of stories about the damage this has caused in young people's lives. So instead of a parent preaching about the dangers of sexting, the adolescent gets to hear about the real consequences that have actually happened to someone their age."

Short of tossing his cell phone in the lake or locking away your teen in a tower, Rapunzel-like, what's the best way to safeguard your impressionable youth from the sexting sensation?

Dr. Stavinoha offered some great tips earlier this week on Good Day Texas, but one thing he says is a sense of belonging and strong self-esteem go a long way in helping kids feel less vulnerable to unsafe, unhealthy trends.

Tube Time

Nielson (you know, the company that studies our TV watching habits) says as Americans, we're watching more TV than ever before. Hmm..., so how many hours do you think the average family spends in front of the tube?

My guess was three hours, maybe four. Let's think about it: the kids get home from school, watch some TV before dinner, maybe sneak in a little Disney channel before bath time. Maybe you grab the remote after the kiddos hit the sack, catch Dancing with the Stars and The Daily Show. That couldn't add up to much, could it?

Let's just say, I was wrong. Way wrong.

But, what's the big deal? (Aside from it from it being slightly embarrassing that we waste so much time glued to the "idiot box.") Well, according to ScreenTime.org, the organization responsible for this week's Turnoff Week, the more time we spend in front of the TV, the less time we spend actually hanging out and playing with our families.

The theory is good, and the LEAN Families program at Children's agrees. They recommend no more than two hours a day of screen time for most kids, only one hour for those of us who are being mindful of our weight. And gasp!, one to two hours of screen time includes everything from surfing the web, to playing video games and TV time.

So, what do you think? Could your family cut back on screen time? You may get some gruff inititally, but my guess is everyone will enjoy the benefits. Kinda' like this 2nd grader from Donora, PA.:

"I really didn't like TV-Turnoff Week except that I did notice that my grades went up and I was in a good mood all week." - Drew Henderson

Vitamin Sales Spike During Recession

Auto repair thrives in a down economy. Sadly, so does the dollar menu at fast food joints. But, did you know vitamin sales are up, too?

I asked Brenda Darling, a pharmacist at Children's Medical Center, for her thoughts on vitamins, especially for kids. Is now the time to invest in a Flintstones kid?

She says to always consult your child's healthcare provider, but that for most kids, a good multivitamin is a wise investment in any economy, especially if your child prefers pudding cups to leafy greens.

Brenda recommends you read the labels before choosing a brand. Look for a multivitamin that includes enough vitamin D - 400 units a day - and try to find one that has omega 3, a healthy fat.

And while many of today's vitamins are more palatable than the chalky chewables we used to take, Brenda says it's important to teach kids that vitamins are not candies. There really is such thing as too much of a good thing.

So, speaking of those old vitamins...remember the Flintstones commercials from yesteryear? Sorry! I know that catchy little "10 million strong, and growing" jingle will be in your head all day now!

Do your little ones take vitamins?

The Coolest Girl I Know

Most of us feel secure when we're in control, comfortable being the one making decisions. (Anybody out there a backseat driver?!) But, when you become a patient in the hospital, especially as a child, you trade in that control for a silly backless gown. When you're in the hospital, somebody else decides when you pop a pill, whether you want to have that scan, and if it's time to take your blood pressure.

But yesterday, a 15-year-old patient at Children's, Cheyene Guedea, took back control and made a very grown-up, selfless decision.

A week ago, Dr. Tamra Slone, a UT Southwestern pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Children's, had to give Cheyene a pretty rotten diagnosis: acute myeloid leukemia. AML is one of those cancers that's determined to rob a girl of her hair.

But instead of waiting for chemotherapy to thin her long locks, she decided to cut it all off, and get this - donate it to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hair pieces to kids who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss - because "she doesn't want another child to feel self conscious about losing her hair."

How unbelievably awesome is that?

A stylist from Salon Pompeo gave her the hippest, most chic little bob. Cheyene looks beyond adorable with her new 'do.

But, what about when the chemo kicks in? When her beautiful brunette locks start to thin and fall out? She's ready.

"I don't think I'm going to want a wig," she told TV cameras. "I'm going to rock a bandana."

And as the coolest girl I know, I believe she will.

1.5 Million Texas Kids Without Insurance - You Can Help!

If your little peanut runs a fever or has an earache, a trip to the pediatrician's office is probably in the cards. But, for the more than 1.5 million kids in Texas who don't have insurance, a doctor's visit is a luxury their families likely can't afford.

The really tragic part is nearly half of those kids qualify for CHIP or Medicaid, but they aren't enrolled. And why not? Because the system makes it really tough to get and stay enrolled. The paperwork, which as you can imagine is chock full of "easy reading," can take weeks or even months to complete. And right now, you have to re-enroll every six months.

Imagine the frustration of a working parent who plays by the rules, gets her kids enrolled and then, just days later, starts getting notices that it’s time to renew the coverage again!

This weekend, the Texas House of Representatives will consider simplifying this process and extending the coverage period for Children's Medicaid from six to 12 months.

Tell your representative that you support extending the enrollment period. Enter your zip code in the Action Alert section and make your voice heard. It just may help hundreds of thousands of little Texans get the healthcare they need and deserve.

Get Cookin'

My nieces don't watch much TV. Their mom - my sister - is disciplined like that. But, she does relax the rules if the girls want to spend 30 minutes watching Rachael Ray whip up a meal that is "Yum-o!" The Food Network seems to have engaged a whole new set of foodies, many who are barely tall enough to reach the kitchen counters.

If your kid likes to be in the kitchen, or if you're just looking for a fun, FREE way to get the family out of the house this Saturday, join the Junior League of Plano at its annual Kids in the Kitchen event, hosted this year at the Children's Medical Center Legacy campus.

Festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with a one-mile fun walk. Later in the day, you and the kiddos can enjoy cooking demonstrations, fitness activities and presentations from local groups and organizations that support healthy lifestyles.

The main stage will feature performances by Dorothy, Wags and Henry from the Wiggles, Miss Texas, a jump rope team, cheerleaders and groups leading exercises. Rowdy, the official mascot of the Dallas Cowboys, will also make an appearance.

And don't miss the prizes and giveaways. You could take home a bike, a Wii Fit, iPods, Edible Arrangements...

So, this Saturday from 10:30 to 2:30, turn off the Food Network and join us in Plano. I promise Rachael Ray won't mind.

"Be The Match"

This little cutie is a happy, healthy toddler. But, that hasn't always been the case.

When Adam Danhoff was just five months old, Dr. Maria (Maite) de la Morena, a UT Southwestern immunologist at Children's, diagnosed him Hyper IgM, a rare congenital immunodeficiency disease that's linked to the X chromosome in boys.

The best medicine was a risky bone marrow transplant, and as is the case in about 70 percent of patients who need a bone marrow transplant, nobody in Adam's family was a good match. Fortunately, his care team found someone who was a good match on the Be the Match Registry, a computerized registry of people who are willing to donate their marrow to an unrelated patient in need.

Every year, Children's hosts a "Be The Match" bone marrow donor drive to recruit lifesavers. This year, on Friday, it's easier than ever to get typed.

Swab the inside of your cheek in person at the Children's Dallas campus or the Children's Legacy campus. Or, if you can't make it to the drive, order a free kit online. Use "childrens" as the promo code.

Wouldn't it be amazing to save a life?

Is Growing a Family Recession-Proof?

It's hard to escape the doom and gloom of the economy. And to make ends meet, most of us have cut back on expenses. Maybe that means less take out and more home cookin'. Or maybe that means a "staycation" instead of Disney World this year. Or maybe, just maybe, that means no baby. For now.

On Mommy blogs, this is a hot topic: has the economy put a damper on growing your family? It's hardly a news flash: Babies are expensive. But, Dallas doesn't seem to mind. Last year, more babies were born in Dallas in 2008 than at any time in the past 25 years!

Dr. Michael Zaretsky, a UT Southwestern maternal fetal medicine specialist who has a clinical practice at Children's Medical Center Legacy in Plano, says business is booming in his neck of the woods.

He wonders, though, if the number of births will slow this fall and winter, given that the term "recession" re-entered our vocabulary at the end of last year.

So, now I'm curious - for those of you in cahoots with the birds and the bees, will the financial slump change your plans for expanding your family?

Egg-stra Special Delivery

For more than a quarter of a century, Evelyn Hamilton and her special helpers have brought to life the Easter Bunny for patients at Children's Medical Center. On Friday, she was at her good deeds again.

Evelyn and crew made more than 1,000 egg-stra special deliveries to patients who spent their holiday in the hospital.

Because some patients can't have jelly beans and chocolate bunnies, the Easter Bunny works closely with the child life department at Children's to determine what kinds of age- and developmentally-appropriate goodies to tuck inside baskets full of cellophane grass.

The big ears and fluffy tail work for Evelyn. But, everyone can't pull off that look! Even if you're not a costume character kind-of-guy, you can still deliver smiles to patients at Children's.

Learn how you can help us fulfill our mission of making life better for children.

Texas Wildfires Spur Breathing Problems

Outside of surgeries, asthma is the leading admitting diagnosis at Children's. Today, the asthma bays in the Emergency Department are overflowing - likely because of the wild fires that have devastated Texas and Oklahoma.



Chris Wagner, a pediatric nurse practitioner, an asthma educator and the program manager of the Comprehensive Asthma Program at Children's, says she expects the poor air quality will be a problem until we get a good rain - which by most meteorologists' predictions will be on Easter Sunday.

Her best advice? "Everyone should stay indoors as much as possible during red and purple ozone alert days, and kids with breathing problems should limit outdoor activity during yellow and orange alert days, too."

Need a refresher on that color-coded scale?

Gavin DeGraw Puts on a Show at Children's

Like a little boy mezmerized, he fell in the love with the model train display in the lobby of the hospital. Like a weary traveler on a 30-city tour, he craved a cup of "cafeteria coffee." And like the charming, soulful crooner that he is, Gavin DeGraw captivated his audience of pint-sized patients and their (primarily female!) caretakers yesterday at Children's Medical Center.

DeGraw, who's on a national tour promoting his album FREE, stopped by Children's before his gig at the Loft to perform an acoustic set for the kids. He lifted their spirits with inspiring songs like "Mountains to Move" and "Chariot."

After his performance, the soft-spoken singer/songwriter made time to visit with the patients, sign autographs and pose for pictures. And to say thank you, some of the kids (with help from the music therapists on staff) played Gavin some music of their own.

Dust Bunnies Beware!

The dust bunnies are nearly full-grown, and you haven't been able to park in the garage for months. It's definitely time for some spring cleaning!

This seasonal overhaul is a chore for most of us, but there's a good chance nobody dreads spring cleaning more than a child with asthma. Sharon Lemley, an asthma educator at Children's, says it's important to take special precautions before letting the dust fly.

“Be aware that chemicals in cleaning products can trigger an asthma attack,” says Lemley. “Read labels and do your homework to find detergents that aren’t irritating.”

Lemley says it’s best to remove a child with asthma from the environment before episodes of prolonged or thorough cleaning. However, her advice to parents with kids with asthma is to do a little bit of cleaning everyday.

• Use a HEPA filter in the vacuum cleaner
• Damp dust weekly, and wear a dust mask if you’re allergic to dust
• Buy washable curtains, throws and pillow covers, and clean them regularly
• Minimize clutter
• Use dust mite-proof pillow covers
• Cover floors with washable rugs instead of carpeting, if possible

Lemley points to the Soap and Detergent Association for some other handy tips for keeping the house spic and span and your little one breathing easy.

Marshmallow Peeps - Will they Pack on the Pounds?

Love 'em or hate 'em, for more than a decade, Peeps - those pastel-colored poofs of sugar - have been the best selling non-chocolate Easter candy. There's not a gram of fat in this sweet treat, so is it a healthier alternative to a chocolate bunny?

"Even if a candy is fat-free, you should still watch the sugar," says Janna Hill, a registered dietitian with the LEAN Families program at Children's.

Each marshmallow chick or bunny has 35 calories, so a five-pack of Peeps quickly adds up to 160 calories – unless you’re willing to try the sugar-free marshmallows at 20 calories a pop.

Melissa Dunn, a physical therapist with LEAN Families, says for a 65-pound child to burn 160 calories of marshmallowy goodness, he would have to:

• Inline skate for 45 minutes or
• Shoot hoops for 55 minutes

"It takes a lot longer to burn the calories than it does to eat them!" says Dunn. A 150-pound person would have to:

• Toss a Frisbee for 45 minutes or
• Walk Fido for 30 minutes
  

What do you think? Is that little chick worth breaking a sweat?

Arguing with an Audience

A new study in the Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology suggests bickering in front of the kids may not be all bad.

Dr. Pete Stavinoha, a UT Southwestern child psychologist at Children's Medical Center reminds us that, as parents, we're our children's first and most important role models.

"Take advantage of opportunities to help children learn to navigate life's challenges, and that includes when resolving conflicts between parents."

He says we shouldn't go out of our way to argue in front of the kiddos, but as long as the arguing is fair (no name calling, "Mr. Know-it-all"), it can be a good opportunity to teach kids that even people who are very close sometimes disagree.

Just remember, the way you fight the war of words is how Junior will fight back, too.

So, will this study change your house rules for heated debates?

Nickname Your Navy Beans

In a recent study, 186 four-year-olds were given regular carrots, and at another meal, they were given "X-ray Vision Carrots" - the same vegetable, only renamed. Believe it or not, when they were eating the carrots with a clever nickname, they ate nearly twice as many!

So, let's suppose this little trick works at your house. How many servings of "Super Sonic Squash" should you encourage your child to eat? Allison Morrow, a registered dietitian at Children's, says school-aged kids should aim for 3 - 5 servings each day.

And what if your little one grows tired of "Pretty Princess Peas?" Check out the government's spiffy food Pyramid for a whole list of veggies that are just waiting to become "Awesome Artichokes" and "Bionic Brussels Sprouts."

World Autism Awareness Day

Maybe you saw Dr. Nancy Snyderman on the Today Show. Or Jenny McCarthy on Good Morning America. Even President Obama had something to say about World Autism Awareness Day.

But none of them touched me like one of my very own colleagues, Amy Weidner. Until today, I had no idea her 5-year-old son Jacob has autism.

In a very raw way, she describes in a letter what life is like for her little boy:

"Jacob lives in a world of confusion and frustration... He lives his days either staring off quietly unaware of the world around him or reciting movie scripts as he burns energy by running needless circles around the house. And although he is aware of most daily routines, recognizes his beloved family members, and is comfortable in the house where he lives, he is still unaware of so much. He doesn’t know what 'weather' is, he doesn’t know what 'tomorrow' means, he doesn’t know that he has a middle name. He still can’t say the word 'banana' and sadly…he doesn’t know who 'Jesus' is."

Dr. Catherine Karni, a UT Southwestern psychiatrist and autism specialist at Children's says approximately 1 in 150 children has a disorder that is categorized as autism spectrum disorder. The spectrum is vast with a different mix of characteristics and traits displayed in each child.

There is no question about it: autism is a sad and frightening disorder. Amy describes the days leading up to Jacob's diagnosis as "horrifying."

"...it was like watching Alzheimer’s happen to a young child... Life with autism has hindered any sense of normalcy. It has drained hard-earned funds. It has produced enough tears to fill a bathtub 5 times. It is confusing, relentless and unforgiving – and there is no end in sight. As of today, there is no known cause for autism, and sadly there is also no known cure."

But with help, we're making strides. And so is Jacob. His mother, Amy, is full of hope.

"I am confident that our lives will be rich in love and laughter. I know Jacob can change the world, even if it is one word at a time…and that time is coming soon."

Wheeeeee! Family Night at Six Flags - Tomorrow!

There's a scientific reason for that feel-good sensation you get from a ride on a roller coaster - your brain releases endorphins, chemicals that transmit electrical signals within the nervous system and lead to feelings of euphoria.

If your family is full of thrill ride enthusiasts, plan to join Children's at Family Night at Six Flags this Friday, April 3, from 5 to 11 p.m.

And even if you're not up for an 85 mph coaster ride or being skyrocketed 32 1/2 stories into the Texas sky, you can still enjoy special entertainment on stages throughout the park.

Advance tickets for Family Night at Six Flags can be purchased for $25 each at the customer service desk of all Tom Thumb, Tom Thumb Flagship and Simon David Stores.

From The Red Balloon

Welcome to From the Red Balloon, a blog from the Children’s Medical Center family. We invite you to bookmark us on your web browser, and check back often to read amazing patient stories, helpful parenting how tos and witty quips on the latest health-related stories making headlines. Keep a box of tissues handy – some of these stories may prompt water works! Others will certainly inspire. Some may garner a giggle. We hope all of them warm your heart.

And don’t be shy. We look forward to hearing from you!

Would You Ever?

Would you ever swim with sharks? Would you ever dance the Lambada in Brazil? Would you ever donate a kidney to a total stranger?

That’s what one man did in 2006, and it started a chain reaction of pay-it-forward-like good deeds for 10 people, all in need of a lifesaving kidney transplant.

A little girl at Children’s – 4-year-old Maggie Nail – is one of more than 79,000 people in the United States who is waiting for her good samaritan. An earlier surgery removed one of her diseased kidneys, and more than a year ago, her tiny body rejected one transplanted kidney. Today, she is living with no kidneys at all. To compensate, this sassy, blond-haired, blue-eyed little girl spends four days a week, four hours each day, receiving dialysis in the nephrology department at Children's – a routine she’s known since she was just four-days-old.

Last year, Children’s performed the most pediatric kidney transplants in Texas. You may remember some of them. During Kidney Transplant Awareness Month in April, we celebrate the 13 kidney transplants the team has already performed this year. We hope we’ll celebrate Maggie’s transplant soon.

So, would you ever?

Kids and Casts

Excuse me while I find a big wooden table to knock on...but, I have never been been rushed to the ER, never needed stitches and never broken a bone. Maybe I wasn't a very adventurous kid (ok, so there's no maybe about it, I've always been a nervous Nelly about anything that might be dangerous!).

Apparently, I'm a rarity. Last year, the orthopedics department at Children's put on more than 7,000 casts and splints. On average, that's nearly 20 casts per day!

All of this comes to mind because I a saw a kid splashing around in a pool wearing a cast. "Isn't that against the rules?!" ponders Nelly, nervous as ever.

Not necessarily. (Why am I surprised? Man has walked on the moon, and some genius invented the iPhone. I guess a waterproof cast was a no-brainer.)

Still, there are a few rules for taking care of a cast. I hope you and your tree-climbing, skate board-riding daredevil never need to know those rules. Be safe!

Stop the Crying!

What do we actually know about how babies and even children deal with pain? The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that confirms the painful truth - not all that much. Part of the problem is that babies and toddlers can't verbalize the severity of the pain they feel.

But it seems like pediatricians are getting more creative. One in this article gives her pint-sized patients a pinwheel to blow on when they're getting shots. Not only does it distract them from the needle, but it also encourages them to take deep breaths. Pretty sneaky and pretty smart! And did you know a pacifier dipped in sugar water may actually change neurochemicals in the brain and lessen the effects of pain?

At Children's, a dedicated pain management team helps manage and minimize pain for patients of all ages and diagnoses. One of their tricks is "needle-free injections." Another is massage therapy. And because these doctors, nurses and massage therapists are specialized in pediatrics, they're trained to interpret kids' cues on pain. ...Whatever it takes to make life better for children.

Wii-habilitation - I love it!

Ok, so I had to "borrow" the clever "Wii-habilitation" title of this story about a hospital in New York using Nintendo Wiis in innovative ways. (Sorry Moms, your kids have a new excuse to play with video games!)

Rehabilitation therapists are encouraging burn patients to play Wii games like tennis and bowling - basically, any of the interactive games that will get them up and moving. Stretching is an important, but sometimes painful part of the healing process for kids who have received skin grafts after a burn. The Wii is a way to make this therapy a bit more fun.

Children's uses Wiis in unconditional ways, too, thanks to the Women's Auxiliary and Heavenly Hugs, a non-profit organization started by the parents of a Blakely Johnson, a Children's patient who succumbed to cancer in 1997.

The game systems are used throughout the hospital so patients in physical therapy, on isolation or in a playroom can kick, dribble, dance and swing their way through their treatment or hospitalization. How cool is that?

Bow WOW!

A recent study suggests dogs may be able to sniff out certain types of human cancers. Right now, it looks like these K9s are most adept at identifying cancers in adults. But even if they’re not detecting childhood cancers, yet, dogs are still making an important contribution to pediatric patients.

Paws Across Texas is a non-profit group of therapy dogs who visit Children’s once a week with the sole purpose of brightening the lives of kiddos who are in the hospital. You can only imagine the squeals and smiles and wagging tales that ensue!

There are so many neat, unique opportunities to volunteer at Children's. Find a way that speaks to you.