How it Works: Hospital Buddy Program

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The hospital Social Work and Child Life professionals match student-volunteers one-on-one as buddies to children undergoing frequent or long-term hospitalizations due to illnesses such as cancer.

HBP Students 1

All student volunteers are trained to identify and understand the unique needs of hospitalized children.

As buddies to these children, the students offer fun, friendship and support.

Students develop lasting relationships with the children and families, and create special bonds that offer therapeutic support during difficult times.

Students organize activities and events for the children, such as birthday, end-of-chemo, and holiday parties.

Students also provide items such as toys, knitted caps and blankets, personalized photo books, and decorative door signs to comfort patients and their families during long hospital stays.