TCC and Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health are kicking off Child Life Month with a ribbon cutting for the new TCC Rainforest Activity Center, an area solely dedicated to therapeutic play for patients and families. The space, which is located on the 7th floor of the hospital, is also being used by the Child Life team for developmentally appropriate play, medical preparation and therapeutic activities.
In August, TCC announced a $1 million donation and multi-faceted 5-year partnership with Riley Children’s Foundation to benefit patients of Riley Hospital for Children. As part of its partnership with Riley Hospital, TCC has outfitted the Rainforest Activity Center with art supplies as well as the latest high-tech games and gear, such as tablets and a multi-media projector. TCC will make the final delivery of the tablets at the ribbon cutting.
“Between regular doctor visits and checkups, we want to help take these young patients’ minds off their health issues and allow them to just be kids. That’s really what it’s all about for us,” s tated Ryan McCarty, director of community and employee engagement for TCC. “The playroom will give the children and teens of Riley Hospital an outlet for putting their imaginations and creativity to use.”
The opening of the TCC Rainforest Activity Center coincides with the beginning of Child Life Month, celebrated at children’s hospitals nationwide. When a child is diagnosed with an illness or faces an injury, Riley Hospital Child Life specialists serve as “comfort experts” who ease children’s fears. This critical family support program is a fundraising priority for Riley Hospital.
In addition, more than 350 nationwide TCC stores are selling screen cleaning cloths featuring artwork created by five different Riley Hospital patients. The screen cloths are on sale at each store for $10 with 100 percent of the sales going back to Riley Hospital.
“The TCC Rainforest Activity Center is a great place for patients to play and have a diversion from their everyday medical needs,” s tated Jim Austin, chief marketing and corporate partnerships officer for Riley Children’s Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for the partnership TCC has formed with Riley Children’s Foundation and look forward to a long future of working together.”
(Submitted release)
