How Wearing a Bandage Can Help Hospitalized Kids

From John Lauck, President and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:

Just over seven years ago I walked into the headquarters of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as CEO for the first time. I had never worked at a nonprofit and, while knowing this job would be something special, had no idea of the sheer volume of miraculous things I was about to experience. I couldn’t have known what it would feel like to see the massive number of passionate staff, hospital workers, families and partners all working together in support of our common mission: to raise funds and awareness for children’s hospitals.

But what I did know on that cold January day seven years ago is still true today: children’s hospitals are special places and are incredibly deserving of our donations and support.

This year marks the first-ever Children’s Hospitals Week (March 20-27), and it’s a chance for anyone who appreciates the miracles that happen at local children’s hospitals, every day, to celebrate them. To cheer on the tireless nurses and doctors, the worried parents and the brave children.

During the course of this week I’m asking you to wear a bandage in honor of the 62 kids who are entering a children’s hospital for treatment every single minute, of every single day. Please join me in writing the name of a child who inspires you on your bandage and wear it proudly. Take a selfie with it and join in the conversation by using #ChildrensHospitalsWeek. You may be thinking of a child in your own family, in your neighborhood, or a child like Isaiah—who despite being born without a jaw and not being able to speak, just launched his first rap song to critical acclaim. Kids like Zion and Zhania who not only battle the effects of sickle cell disease but also bravely underwent heart transplants. Or a child like Angelica whose angelic voice is a constant reminder of the miraculous recovery that is possible thanks to care and sacrifice.

Donations to children’s hospitals have helped each of these kids, and the 10 million more who will be treated this year, receive the best treatment and often stay close to home while receiving it. Our hospitals are providing better care than ever before while, in most cases in the U.S., dealing with the reality they are covering billions of dollars left by the gap between what government programs reimburse and treatments cost. Children’s hospitals often pay for therapies, services and child-sized equipment that aren’t covered by insurance yet give our kids the best chances for survival and the best path for recovery. And they can’t do it alone.

In short, donations hospitals make children’s hospitals children’s hospitals.

We thank you for our support and hope you will join us in celebration this week. In addition to wearing your bandage, tune in for the Facebook LIVE-athon on Friday, March 24, where you will hear from many of our supporters and Miracle Kids as they demonstrate why this cause is so important.

As I celebrate my seventh year in this role, I thank you for your support of children’s hospitals and the kids and families served by them. I can’t wait to see what advancements the coming years bring.

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For a complete list of Children’s Hospitals Week activities click here.