LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 7, 2024 — MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach was honored with Starlight Children’s Foundation’s prestigious Hospital of the Year Award, recognizing the remarkable contributions of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program. This recognition highlights Miller Children’s & Women’s exceptional dedication and commitment to helping enhance the emotional well-being of children and their families during hospitalization.
For more than 30 years, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital has partnered with Starlight to bring joy and comfort to its young patients. The collaboration has been pivotal in promoting the Power of Play as a therapeutic tool, creating moments of happiness and distraction amidst challenging medical journeys.
“At the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, we are dedicated to creating a supportive environment that minimizes the stress of hospitalization,” says Rita Goshert, director, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “The Power of Play isn’t just a concept for us – it’s at the heart of everything we do in the Child Life Program.”
Through this longstanding partnership, Starlight has provided toy deliveries, hosted events, and brought special guests, including celebrities, to uplift the spirits of children during their hospital stays. From interactive toys to gaming stations, the Child Life Program and Starlight have worked together to create an environment where kids can be kids, even in the hospital.
“Starlight’s programs are a vital part of how we bring moments of joy into the lives of children during their stay here,” says Dinarte Viveiros, chief nursing officer, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “Whether it’s a toy delivery or a special event, these programs help our patients feel more at ease and allow them to temporarily escape the stress of being in the hospital.”
The Starlight Hospital of the Year Award is a testament to the outstanding care provided by healthcare professionals who understand the importance of integrating play-centered programs to help improve the emotional well-being of young patients. By fostering a joyful and supportive atmosphere through play, the child life team at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital helps children feel more comfortable and engaged during their hospital experiences.
“The child life team at Miller Children’s Hospital has embraced the Power of Play wholeheartedly, utilizing Starlight’s programs to create an environment where children can find comfort, distraction, and even joy, despite the circumstances,” says Viktoria de Jong, mission delivery coordinator, Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Their compassionate approach, combined with Starlight’s programs, has created a nurturing environment where children can engage in imaginative play and experience moments of happiness at times when it’s needed most.”