Isabelle and her mom, Carolyn, are grateful for the Child Life Program at Humber River Health. “Please don’t ever get rid of the Child Life Program!” said Carolyn. “Having that additional support made a huge difference. We’re forever grateful for the whole Child Life Program team!”

When children face medical procedures, the experience can often be overwhelming and frightening—for both the young patients and their families. However, for Isabelle and her mother Carolyn, their recent visit to Humber River Health was anything but daunting. Thanks to the exceptional Child Life Program and the compassionate staff, their journey turned into a reassuring and even uplifting experience. 

Isabelle had been experiencing discomfort due to a hernia that surfaced. After consultations and an ultrasound that was unable to source the root cause, their family doctor referred them to SickKids Hospital, a partner of Humber River Health. SickKids then referred Isabelle to Humber’s Child Life Program: a start-to-finish program that makes sure parents feel informed and empowered during surgery, while their kids feel comfortable and safe throughout their procedure. 

On the day of her surgery, Isabelle was understandably nervous. When recalling the ride to the hospital, she admitted, “I was a tiny bit scared.” Concerns about waking up during surgery or feeling pain are common fears for children. But that’s where the Child Life Program stepped in. 

Isabelle was warmly greeted by Alex, a Child Life Specialist at Humber River Health. She introduced Isabelle to Pepper, an interactive robot which the Child Life Program uses to decrease patient anxiety, increase their comfort and educate young patients and their families. Through engaging activities, Alex and Pepper demystified the medical process for Isabelle. 

Isabelle was introduced to Pepper, an interactive robot which the Child Life Program uses to decrease patient anxiety, increase their comfort and educate young patients and their families. Through engaging activities, Pepper and the Child life Program team demystify the medical process.

Isabelle recalled, “Alex and Pepper showed me what my IV would look like on me.” Alex also helped Isabelle overcome her fear of needles and had Pepper show her how to use the anaesthesia mask. Isabelle was even allowed to choose a flavour for her anaesthesia mask. “It was strawberry!” she said with a smile. 

Carolyn was deeply appreciative of the support received throughout their time in the Child Life Program. “Having someone like Alex made a huge difference,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine going through any other procedure without someone like her.” 

Isabelle had the option to choose how she would enter her surgical room. The Child Life Program offers many fun ways for patients to enter their room before surgery. There are bikes, wagons, a mini Tesla, and even a miniture Zamboni! Empowered by the support she received, Isabelle confidently chose to walk. 

In the operating room, her mother was allowed to stay with her until she fell asleep, providing additional comfort. Isabelle remembered, “She covered my ears” while Carolyn added, “I think I gave you a big hug and you fell asleep in my arms while I was hugging you.” 

The Child Life Program offers many fun ways for patients to enter their room before surgery. There are bikes, wagons, a mini Tesla, and even a miniture Zamboni!

For Carolyn, this was a stark contrast to previous medical experiences Isabelle had gone through. “It’s night and day,” she explained. “At other hospitals, we didn’t know what to expect. No one really explained the procedures, and it was rather traumatizing. But at Humber, knowing exactly what’s going to happen to your child is incredibly reassuring.” 

When Isabelle woke up after her surgery, the first person she saw was her mother. The recovery room was a place of comfort rather than fear. Upon being released from the Hospital, Isabelle remembered, “I took a popsicle. I think I even took two popsicles!” 

As they were leaving, Isabelle surprised her mother by expressing a desire to return—not because she needed more medical attention, but because the experience was so positive. 

Both Isabelle and Carolyn are grateful for the Child Life Program at Humber River Health. “Please don’t ever get rid of the Child Life Program!” said Carolyn. “Having that additional support made a huge difference. We’re forever grateful for Alex and for the whole Child Life Program team.”