For twenty years, the founder of Standish Foundation for Children (SF4C) Andie Standish has had a relationship with Fatima, “Girlie” Garcia Lorenzo, co-founder of the Kythe Foundation in the Philippines. Both of our organizations share a dedication to minimizing pain and fear for hospitalized children. Our donors make it possible for children and families to have the necessary psychosocial resources, play space and trained staff to support them in their development and growth. Kythe believes “every child has the right to learn, play, and grow even while confined in the hospital.” We have similar missions and the child and family are at the center of everything we both do.”
The driving force behind our team here at SF4C is similar. We want all hospitalized children to feel safe and empowered to be themselves; and to learn through play while undergoing medical treatment. Last month, SF4C’s founder, Andie Standish and Global Programs Manager, Bobbi Jo Pansier spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Kythe Foundation. Andie explains, “Kythe Foundation is unique, not only because it has been in existence for 30 years but because they have child life programming at multiple hospitals across the country. They are true pioneers of the field within the Philippines and globally. At this reunion event, there were a variety of people in attendance. Representatives from hospitals, government, NGO’s, families and providers all came to celebrate the incredible work that Kythe does each and every day. While we celebrated the past, ambitious goals were set to expand child life programming to reach all children treated for cancer throughout the Philippines.
As Andie shares, “Kythe has worked hard to develop these relationships. This is an important part of their longevity. The level of support and love for Kythe is amazing!! The energy in the room was so high you could feel it. It’s unusual to feel that at a conference such as this, but the Philippines and Kythe are special.”
In this season of gratitude, our team here at SF4C is immensely grateful for the friendships, collaboration and work we have been able to do with the team at Kythe. Our hope is to continue our shared goal of transforming the healthcare experience for many years to come. In the next 30 years, we hope that our two organizations continue to support the advancement of trained child life professionals, the availability of psychosocial support in the hospital and continue to give children the space to play while hospitalized. If you would like to support our mission this Giving Tuesday, please click here.