8 Organizations Helping Improve Pediatric Patients' Experiences

Children’s hospitals are not alone in their mission to provide exceptional care for kids.

That’s why Children’s Hospital Association partners with organizations dedicated to improving child health.

These relationships allow us to connect children’s hospitals and health systems with resources and expertise that directly benefit kids and families.

We’re proud to spotlight some of our partners that help children’s hospitals enhance care, advance innovation, and improve patient and family experiences.

1. Hope for Henry’s Healthcare Hub

This free digital platform helps caregivers prepare their children before, during, and after medical appointments, tests, and procedures.

The hub is used by more than 40 hospitals and has tailored information and tools so kids can understand and be positively engaged in their care.

2. Team IMPACT 

Connect children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams to create a long-term, life-changing experience. This immersive multi-year experience provides a sense of belonging, support, and inspiration for kids, helping them build confidence and resilience throughout their journey.

3. The Toy Foundation

Apply for the Play Fund, the only industry-wide funding initiative that distributes grants to children’s hospitals and disaster zones to comfort children where they need it most. This funding provides support through play opportunities and helps strengthen children’s emotional, physical, and educational development.

In 2025, the Play Fund awarded $405,000 to 23 children’s hospitals and health systems for play projects.

4. Emotional ABCs  

Through this evidence-based, interactive program, children can manage their emotions, and parents, caregivers, and teachers are encouraged to support youth social-emotional learning. Children’s hospitals can use patient and instructor logins to access in-person, group, and remote instruction.

5. The Society of American Magicians

Bring something special to patients with the art of magic. These training programs teach magic tricks to volunteers, therapists, and staff to help make a kid’s day. The nonprofit’s website has over 50 free magic performances.

6. Project Sunshine 

Provide the healing power of play to children with medical needs. The organization offers three programs that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of patients. Developed by certified child life specialists and led by trained, vetted volunteers, the programs are designed to engage hospitalized children facing isolation and emotional distress.

7. Starlight Children’s Foundation 

Make your hospital an easier place for kids to just be. Starlight offers gaming, hero wagons, hospital gowns, and toy deliveries to pediatric patients. In 2023, 724 hospitals and care facilities across the U.S. received their services to bring comfort, distraction, and a sense of normalcy to patients and families.

8. My Special Aflac Duck®

Navigating a cancer or sickle cell diagnosis is challenging for children, especially with distress during treatment. The soft and cuddly companion helps kids with cancer or sickle cell prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques, and more. The duck comes with medical play accessories like a stethoscope, feeling cards, and different sound options.

By working together with nonprofits, we can support our children’s hospitals and health systems and improve children’s health and well-being.

Explore additional partners that provide free products or services to children’s hospitals.