Brittany with Zaza, 7.
1. Why are you a Child Life professional?
When I started college, I knew I wanted to help children facing hospitalization, specifically cancer. I was so lucky to stumble upon Child Life and have so many great experiences at the university’s children’s hospital. These experienced helped me realize being a Child Life specialist was what I was meant to do. Through the last six years as a specialist I have memories of endless smiles, hugs, and belly laughs. I help families overcome many challenges, which they do not feel they can get through, and it is truly the most fulfilling feeling. I love looking back at patients’ and families’ journeys and discussing the challenges they have overcome and accomplished. That is the most amazing experience for me.
2. How long have you worked in Child Life?
I have been a Child Life specialist for 6 years, 3 years at Children’s Health and 3 years at the University of New Mexico’s Children’s Hospital
3. What has been the most rewarding aspect of Child Life?
Watching the patient families’ journey and reflecting on the many challenges and accomplishments patients overcome. Many patient and families tell me they are not sure how they will make it through this and within a few months they are doing great and are completely adjusted to their new life.
4. Describe your favorite Children's Cancer Fund experience?
The Gala is my most favorite CCF experience. It is so AMAZING to see so many kids who are finished with treatment or are close to being done with treatment all in one place, living their best life! I also enjoy the memorial at the gala for those who have passed to showcase happy times in those patients’ lives.
The activity cart has also been a life saver! Without volunteers’ help during COVID, it is challenging to fulfill activity needs as well as provide education, support during procedures, support during bereavement, help with medication compliance, work with newly diagnosed families, and the so many other aspects of our job. It has been so great to have all the activities in one spot so and have Child Life assistants who are able to take it around to make sure activity needs are being met.