The experience of losing someone close to you is a defining experience in anyone’s life. For young children, the sadness may be compounded with feelings of confusion or hurt—perhaps even feeling like something they did was the cause of their loved one’s death.
To help understand difficult concepts like illness and death, a very special Child Life department within Palliative Care at Baylor Scott & White Health supports grieving families. The department staffs Child Life Specialists who are trained in helping young children through what may be one of the most difficult experiences of their lives before, during and after a loss.
It takes incredible dedication to serve families experiencing death or a lifechanging illness of a family member. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Child Life Specialists have endured even more challenges as access to patients and families had to be adjusted in an effort to help keep everyone as safe as possible from the virus.
“People nearing the end of life is a process that is still happening, and we couldn’t leave the kids in a lurch,” explained Cinda McDonald, director of Palliative Care Child Life Administration, who led the Child Life team in pivoting to accommodate the needs of children and families. From finding appropriate 6 channels to conducting virtual visits to providing age-appropriate materials digitally, the Child Life Specialists found a way to serve their important mission.
Also refusing to be sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic are Diane and Kent Fannon, philanthropists who recently committed a $2 million planned gift to support and expand the Child Life program.
“There’s a common thread for us in our philanthropy, and that’s supporting children at different stages in their lives through the challenges they face,” Kent explained, detailing the Fannons’ approach to giving as something that fulfills the couple personally while they help others so generously. “We can’t forget about needs that will be out there even after COVID for programs like this.”
Philanthropy helps the Fannons share their passion for helping others, and they advocate for giving what you can, when you can. Planned giving is one aspect that may interest others, they said, as a way to ensure that their legacy contributes the way they intend. “If you’re going to leave something to an organization, do your homework on where specifically you want your dollars to go,” Diane said. “Estate planning is something important to do, and the more specific you can be about your estate plan, the better.”
“The need is out there,” Kent said. “Maybe you give through planned giving, or maybe you give something now. It’s invaluable to get that message out.” Kent and Diane are moved by the possibility of making a positive impact on families during a difficult time in their lives—a legacy that extends far past their own lives. Their support of the Child Life program allows them to do just that.
