six women smiling at the camera holding a large check

Members of LLUCH's child life team accept a check from Spirit of Children on Thursday, Feb. 20

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital received $184,067 from Spirit of Children on Thursday, February 20 during a check presentation to support the hospital’s Child Life department.

This most recent donation illustrates community generosity through donations at the Spirit of Children annual fundraiser held across their 28 Inland Empire locations through September and October.

Beyond financial support, Spirit of Children brings a unique experience to the hospital. Each year, they host the Spirit of Children Fall Festival, providing patient families with festive costumes, crafts and activities allowing patients and their siblings a sense of normalcy during their hospital stay.

Peter Baker, senior vice president and administrator for Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, said he is grateful for the longstanding partnership with Spirit of Children.

“Spirit of Children’s dedication to our young patients is truly heartwarming,” he said. “The funds raised are instrumental in supporting the hospital's Child Life team. Through therapeutic play, creative activities, and emotional support, they create a comforting and supportive environment.”

The Child Life Program provides young patients and their families comprehensive support during hospitalization every day of the year. Specially trained staff provide a range of services, including access to activity rooms, emotional and mental support, school reintegration programs, coping strategies, and education on medical procedures and diagnoses.

Spirit of Children has supported Children’s Hospital since 2013, raising more than $1.3 million, directly impacting the lives of countless patients and child life fellows at the hospital.

The Child Life Fellowship, initiated in 2017, provides training and development opportunities for new graduates Loma Linda University’s Child Life program. Fellows gain a year of invaluable experience and develop projects to enhance child life services, often extending these services to patients who would otherwise go without them. This collaboration between LLUCH, and Spirit of Children not only supports the department but also builds the program through additional services, data collection, research, and ingenuity.

Over the years, 10 fellows have participated in the program, with seven continuing to work within the Loma Linda University Health system. Three fellows have pioneered new positions in radiology, MEND, and the RICA Clinic, demonstrating the program's transformative impact. This partnership demonstrates how businesses can unite with the hospital to create a brighter future for children facing medical challenges.

To learn more about corporate partnerships, call the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation office at 909-558-5368 or click here.