Starlight Brightens Stays for Young Patients at VJH

No matter how old you are, a visit to the hospital can be stressful. However, thanks to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Comfort Kits, some of the smallest patients at Vernon Jubilee Hospital have a new reason to smile during their stay.

Designed for children— from infant through to toddler—Starlight Comfort Kits have been distributed in various departments at the hospital, offering entertainment and distraction for young patients during often-worrying situations.

“It’s not a lot of fun for anyone to be in hospital, but it’s even harder for kids. Entertaining them while in medical care is one way to keep spirits high and boredom at bay. Having these kits available helps ease parent’s stress and keeps the children content and occupied,” said Stacey Nelson, Patient Care Coordinator, McMurtry-Baerg Cancer Centre, VJH.

Filled with toys, books, stuffies and craft activities, the kits offer a wide variety of options that help alleviate boredom and break up the routine of being in hospital.

“We know that coming to the hospital with your child can sometimes be scary,” stated Kate McBrearty, VJH Foundation Executive Director. “Providing these comfort kits to our littlest visitors gives them valuable distractions and also brings smiles to parents’ faces. We are so grateful to the Starlight Foundation for once again helping us provide comfort to families.”

This year, more than 100 Starlight kits have been distributed throughout VJH.