As a pediatric social worker and as a mother, I have seen firsthand how powerful play is in a child’s life. Play is children’s language, play reduces stress, play and learning are intertwined, and play is healthy. The Chelsea’s Closet volunteers who travel to either Doernbecher or Randall Children’s Hospital each month have seen this to be true as well. To see the therapeutic impact of kids dressing up and trying on a new reality for a bit to help deal with the seriousness of hospitalization is powerful. Through play, kids are safely able to learn how to manage this new situation in their lives, one that is hard to understand and to deal with. I think a unique component of the Chelsea’s Closet program is that we provide therapeutic play to the oncology unit at Doernbecher’s; and at Randall’s we serve any child in the hospital, no matter what the medical diagnosis.
Our largest fundraiser each year is our Masquerade Ball. This year it’s being held October 17 at the Sentinel in downtown Portland with a Roaring 20’s theme, in case guests would like to wear costumes (cocktail attire is great too). Even though CHF addresses serious issues facing children and families, it is still a festive evening with dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing. We hope you are able to come this year and experience an amazing program. I truly believe that people really only understand what we do and the impact we have on children’s lives once they’ve either attended the Ball or volunteered at the hospital. Buy Tickets Now >
Please grab your flapper dress or zoot suit and join me and the CHF Board in celebrating six years of providing hope and healing to more than 1,600 local families this past year.
Karyn Sandhu LCSW
Chelsea Hicks Foundation Vice Chair
