Virtual Toy Drive to Brighten the Holidays for Kids at Boston Children’s Hospital

–News Direct–

Boston Children’s Hospital announced the launch of its third annual Virtual Toy Drive to support patients at the hospital during the holidays. The Virtual Toy Drive Program invites participants to fundraise to ensure the holidays are celebrated to the fullest at the hospital, with gifts for each patient, virtual Santa visits, and special moments throughout the season. Funds also help restock playrooms and fill urgent needs of families and the hospital—during the holidays and beyond.

“Being at the hospital during the holidays is so hard for patients and their families,” said Beth Donegan Driscoll, director of Child Life Services at Boston Children’s Hospital. “The toys and other items funded through the annual Virtual Toy Drive give kids a moment of joy and celebration as they work through their illnesses.”

For patients like Addy Gigliotti and her family, the Virtual Toy Drive is a chance to give back to the hospital that has helped her so much. One morning, 3-year-old Addy got a little paper cut on her finger, and several hours later went into septic shock and was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital to find out she had an immune deficiency. After two years of testing to understand her unique condition, her doctor revealed that Addy had inherited a rare, life-threatening blood disorder called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), in addition to her immune deficiency. In need of a stem cell transplant to survive, her sister Brooke was luckily the perfect match and eliminated all traces of HLH for Addy. Today, her immune deficiency is controlled by regular infusions and care at the hospital. Now 8 years old, Addy is thriving and busy with dance, soccer, and gymnastics. Her family is hosting their third Virtual Toy Drive to help kids feel the spirit of the season.

Interested participants can register to fundraise by creating a team, joining an existing team, or getting involved as an individual. To register for the program, go to www.bostonchildrens.org/toydrive.

*Photos available to members of the media upon request.

About Boston Children's Hospital

Boston Children’s Hospital is ranked the #1 children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Home to the world’s largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. Today, 3,000 researchers and scientific staff, including 9 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 23 members of the National Academy of Medicine and 12 Howard Hughes Medical Investigators comprise Boston Children’s research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children’s is now a 415-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care. For more, visit our Answers blog and follow us on social media @BostonChildrens, @BCH_Innovation, Facebook and YouTube.

Contact Details

Alex Hladick Bueno

Alexandra.HladickBueno@childrens.harvard.edu

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