Life Cycle helps kids be kids, even in hospital
Alberta-wide cycling challenge supports therapeutic play to help children through medical journeys
Experts at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital not only mended Alexia’s heart — they also mended her spirit.
Life Cycle is a new Alberta-wide cycling challenge that gives individuals the opportunity to support the social and emotional needs of thousands of kids in the hospital, just like Alexia.
Alexia was just 17 months old when she was admitted to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. Extremely tired and unable to settle, she didn’t want to eat. An echocardiogram revealed that Alexia was experiencing myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart brought on by an aggressive virus.
She was in heart failure. Alexia was transported to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton where cardiac surgical experts could determine the best course of action. It was there that Alexia and her parents encountered the hospital’s Child Life team, a compassionate group of specialists who provide evidence-based and developmentally appropriate interventions that help kids through what can be very challenging times.
Using paintbrushes, pets, toys and more, Child Life specialists use therapeutic play and distraction techniques to help kids cope with their medical journeys.
“At the Stollery, Alexia was so excited to get out and have a visit with a pet therapist who brought a sweet little dog for her to interact with. It was the highlight of her day,” says mom, Suzanne.
Thankfully, Alexia was able to recover without invasive treatment and once she was strong enough, she and her family returned to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary to continue her recovery.
Child Life specialists sprang into action again — occupying her with toys,
bubbles and crafts, creating for Alexia her very own wonderland within the pediatric intensive care unit.
A music therapist would also visit Alexia routinely, and together they would put on their own concerts, much to the amusement of Alexia.
“She would sing and dance and she had little maracas to shake along to the music — it was her favourite thing to do. She was just so engaged and happy,” says Suzanne. “I don’t know what we would have done without Child Life.”
The Life Cycle fundraiser supports these vital Child Life programs that promote healing, expression and creativity at both the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital — it helps kids be kids. The cycling challenge runs throughout the month of June and lets you choose your own route, distance and even the hospital you want to support. Registration is free and open now. Learn more and join the movement at lifecycleforkids.com.