Providing the simple joys of childhood

Team members from Dunkin’ present their gift to our Child Life staff

Corporate partners help connect patients to care

“When kids are undergoing treatment for an illness or injury, they often miss out on experiencing the simple joys of childhood. We hope that our support helps provide the hardworking care teams at Cook Children’s with the programs and resources they need to provide holistic care for patients and support for families.” – April McGonnigal, director of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation

MRIs, needles and appointments can be part of a child’s medical journey, but sometimes, the best medicine is laughter. At Cook Children’s, we believe children need a treatment-free zone. That’s where our Child Life Zone (CLZ) comes into play; it’s a state-of-the-art environment that offers a different kind of “medicine.” A place where little kids, big kids and teens can go to just be kids.

There is always something happening in the CLZ! Patients can play bingo, join a drumming circle, create medical art and much, much more. This space includes a recording studio, broadcast studio, kitchen, teen room, library and even a resource library for caregivers.

The understanding that all kids need a place for fun and games is a belief that the generous people at Dunkin’ hold as well. Dunkin’ serves more than just fresh brewed excitement and melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts every day. Through the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, Dunkin’ franchises partner with their local childrens’ hospitals to provide the simple joys of childhood to patients.

Dunkin’ and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation are great partners in helping to support the amazing work that our Child Life team does each day to help give kids a sense of normalcy and control during their time with us. Their partnership provides more than just funds; it creates moments of magic and joy for patients and their families so they can experience happiness on challenging days.

With $12,500 donated to the CLZ so far, our local Dunkin’ franchises hope to deliver a big dose of fun so that our patients can get back to being kids.