Leap for Kids
In previous issues, EIL shared stories about expansion projects at Southeast Georgia Health System and about the A.J. Donohue Foundation annual golf tournament held to further its mission of funding programs that support families dealing with pediatric cancer and the people who care for them. Now we’re sharing exciting news about these two worlds coming together. The A.J. Donohue Foundation has announced, in addition to continuing support of the Foundations’ Nursing Scholars Program and Wolfson Children’s at Southeast Georgia Health System, its current efforts will be dedicated to initiating challenge grants for the renovation and improvements of the pediatric care facilities at Southeast Georgia Health System. This is the most ambitious project the Foundation has attempted in its 13 years of existence!
As explained by A.J. Donohue Foundation CFO John Donohue, “We have presented Southeast
Krista Robitz and John Donohue reviewing plans for a pediatric playroom
Georgia Health System (SGHS) Foundation with a challenge: for every dollar they raise for building a new playroom and renovating the pediatric inpatient area, the A.J. Donohue Foundation will match it, up to $100,000.” Krista Robitz, Director of Development for SGHS Foundation says, “We were ecstatic to be approached by John and the A.J. Donohue Foundation about launching this matching campaign as part of this major fundraising effort.” Their goal is to create a pleasant and cheerful environment that is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to pediatric patients and their families. A key part of this initiative is to build a playroom replicating what Wolfson Children’s Hospital has done in their Jacksonville facilities. Playrooms allow children to take their minds off of medical treatment and procedures for a while and just be kids again. Comfortable furniture, TVs, gaming systems, books, toys, games, and puzzles in a colorful, fun environment will be available to pediatric patients and their families in the new in-patient area.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital is where John’s nephew A.J. received 200 + days of care. Before A.J. died, he was raising money to help improve the comfort of the children’s families during their stays. It was in this spirit that Team A.J. became the Foundation that continues his legacy. The Foundation’s matching campaign for the pediatric playroom at SGHS is very clearly an extension of A.J.’s goals. John explains, “It fits right in with our mission. It’s important to us to stay local since everything began right here in Glynn County for A.J. It’s where he started selling his $2 decals, raising over $50K. We can reach a lot of families coming through these doors. And it’s not about capital improvements or new equipment, we simply want to provide a better atmosphere for the children receiving care here—not just cancer patients. The patient environment needs to be warm and pleasant, with a component of fun to make them feel special and improve the entire hospital experience.”
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Pediatric Playroom model 01
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Pediatric Playroom model 02
Robitz agreed, adding that Wolfson has been extremely supportive, offering design services and advice. “These designs are created and implemented with family in mind. We need people to understand that providing a playroom offers some fun and normalcy. That goes a long way in patient care and treatment. Environment is very important to the healing process. Not only does it help the patient, it alleviates stress on families.” We’ve all heard “laughter is the best medicine,” and there’s some truth in that! Creating a family-friendly environment and enhancing the patient experience for the child makes hospital visits less scary and helps reduce the anxiety that comes with medical treatment and health concerns.
John does say that what they’d ultimately like to see is the ability to get more pediatric cancer care and treatment here, closer to local patients, which is why the Foundation has also made capital contributions and has established a working partnership with facilities here. However, he stresses the fact that it’s essential not to overlook the needs of patients currently receiving care here. Now, during the construction and renovation of the current in-patient floors, is the ideal time to create a pleasant play area and family environment, instead of approaching it following completion as an afterthought.
Now is also the perfect time to donate, because with the matching challenge, you’ll double your gift! This maximizes every dollar you invest in the children and families of our community. You can donate online at wearethefoundation.org or call 912.466.3360. Another way to support Leap for Kids is to register to play in or sponsor the 13th annual A.J. Donohue Golf Tournament on February 29. The golf is $125 per player - shot gun scramble- registration at 9am. Includes breakfast, lunch, team photos, prizes, raffle and 19th hole party ending at 5pm. Reputed to be the most fun tournament on Jekyll Island! Deadline for attending: Friday 2/21/2020 Call John Donohue at 912.635.9150. Or, you can attend the Leap for Kids Gala Reception at the Jekyll Island Westin the preceding evening, where live music by Owen Plant and Scott Pallot, a strolling dinner with fantastic food, and a silent auction will be featured. Tickets are $85 and dress is beach casual. It’s gonna be a great time! For more information, visit ajdonohuefoundation.org.
