Little Smiles helps Nemours AI DuPont with a makeover

Little Smiles helps Nemours AI DuPont with a makeover

Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children is located in Wilmington, DE.  Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Nemours AI duPont has also been awarded the elite distinction as a 2012 Leapfrog Group Top Children’s Hospital, making them one of the safest children’s hospitals in the country. Throughout all of their specialty areas, they’ve assembled superior expertise among family-centered teams — to help tackle many of the toughest challenges kids can face.

After a 450,000 square foot expansion, the hospital boasts a brand new Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit with an exceptional medical team for families that are in the hospital for what are sometimes lengthy periods of time.  Little Smiles works closely with the social workers, nurses and child life specialists to fulfill requests and ensure that the safety and specific needs of the families are always the top priority.  While visiting the unit with special deliveries, Kate Patterson, co-executive director and program manager noticed a room on the floor that was not being fully utilized.  After many meetings, discussions and a lot of careful planning, we are excited to kick-off a $10,000 renovation to create the Little Smiles’ Family Room. 

Because of the often-suppressed immune systems of kids staying on the floor, parents don’t want to leave.  Having a designated room on the floor gives parents, family members and patients a place to go for a snack or change in scenery or a comforting conversation without having to go far.  The room will include comfortable seating, a kitchen, and televisions that are for exclusive use of the unit and most importantly, will not require going outside of the safety zone. 

With any large project comes the need for support.  If you are able and willing to sponsor this amazing transformation, please contact Stephanie Tomko at stomko@littlesmiles.org.