The Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department at CHOC offers emotional support, education, and resources to patients ages infancy to young adult. Our team of specially trained professionals provide developmentally appropriate activities to help normalize the hospital environment, give an outlet for self-expression, and encourage positive coping with hospitalization.

Our services encompass a wide selection of engaging programs including creative arts, music therapy, pet therapy, Seacrest Studios radio and broadcasting station, a movie theater, two resident dogs, Turtle Talk, sibling and family support, art therapy and more. Additionally, we offer diagnosis and treatment education, distraction during medical procedures, a variety of pain management techniques and grief support.

We strive to have an emotionally safe space for our patients and families, to promote a nurturing environment of care, which allows for growth and healing.

Due to health and safety concerns, CHOC has transitioned to an online toy donation format and can no longer accept in-person donations. We are grateful for the community’s generosity and positive response to this change. Even though CHOC can no longer accept in-person toy or craft donations, you can still help us brighten our patients’ days.

With generous contributions from the community, we can purchase items like:
- Toys, games, books, and arts & craft supplies for patients and siblings of all ages
- Gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and holidays
- Support our comprehensive special programming
- Specialized therapeutic resources for play room and bedside activities, pet therapy, music therapy and art therapy

We deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and for helping to make our patients’ stay at CHOC much more comfortable!

To learn more, visit https://www.choc.org/programs-services/child-life/wish-list/