Child Life

“Healing is much more than medicine…”

A visit to the hospital can be a stressful experience for any child or teen. The Child Life Program at Sanford Children’s helps patients cope with their feelings, fears, and anxieties by offering age specific and therapeutic activities and interventions to meet their social, emotional, developmental, and overall adjustment needs.

Sanford Children’s recognizes that a child or teen’s emotional needs are just as important as their medical needs. The Child Life Team aims to meet each child and family’s unique needs throughout their hospital stay, using play therapy and other coping techniques.

child life

Wonder Capes & CMN

First and foremost, we are completely humbled and honored to say we have teamed up with this renowned Children’s Hospital, through Children’s Miracle Network.

Why the Children’s Miracle Network? One answer: children. No matter the situation, we as adults should take our role very seriously to help build a strong foundation for everyone’s tomorrow. Each child is a miracle and should be treated that way.

All three of our children were born early and were in the NICU; our daughter one week,

and our boys a month. It’s a terrible, helpless feeling when your child is sick or injured. We have always wanted to do something to “give back”.

Our mission is to start with Wonder Capes and Comfort Capes at Sanford Children’s Hospital, right here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then travel to all the Children’s Hospitals nationally and internationally. It’s a small stepping stone with the hopes of a brighter future…

Miracle Children

cmn director

“The first time I met Amy and she introduced Wonder Capes to me, I knew the Capes would be a delightful gift for sick and injured children. Amy’s personal experience with her daughter being hospitalized truly created a passion inside to help other children. She was able to take what began as a “Princess Superhero Cape” and turn “Capes” into a vehicle that is making a significant difference in the lives of kids – those who are healthy, as well as sick and injured. Amy and Michael have a heart for children and their ability to bring a smile to them through Wonder Capes and Comfort Capes is endless now! This is the beginning of something incredible.”

Amy Sumner
Program Director
Children’s Miracle Network and Cure Kids Cancer
Sanford Children’s Hospital
sumner@sanfordhealth.org
www.sanfordhealth.org
605.328.5700

Ben Lanoue

ben lanoue parents All parents dream of the day their baby will be born. For Andy and Connie Lanoue, they knew the day their son would be born, could very well be their only day with him. Because Ben had a condition incompatible with life, their hope was that Ben would be born alive and they could spend time with him before he passed. That wish came true, and when baby Ben arrived, they were able to love him, kiss him and take photos of their family. And, they held him…for his entire life. Andy and Connie treasured their time with Ben and they filled a lifetime of memories into 47 minutes.

Ben’s story was a part of the Children’s Miracle Network telethon at Sanford Children’s Hospital. The event ended with a Cape Ceremony to honor and remember all of the Champions featured. Andy and Connie were honored to receive a Wonder Cape in memory of little Ben.

Cornelius Brewer

cornelius brewer You couldn’t meet baby Cornelius “Case” Brewer and not comment on his beautiful brown eyes. Ryan and Ashley, his parents, could never have imagined that Case’s big brown eyes would tell them the most important message they could ever be told. Shortly after his birth, Case was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and they were told that Case would die before they did. They didn’t know how long his life would be, but their beautiful son would win the hearts of everyone he met and was loved by all, including the team of physicians and nurses that cared for him at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

One of the fears of Ryan and Ashley was knowing when it would be time to let Case go. But the day came, when Case’s health was fading, that Ashley’s eyes met his and she could hear the words…it’s ok mommy, it’s ok. She knew in the moment that it was time to let him go. Cornelius “Case” Brewer lived 10 months and 10 days–he will always be remembered for his beautiful brown eyes.

Cornelius “Case” Brewer’s story was a part of the Children’s Miracle Network telethon at Sanford Children’s Hospital. The event ended with a Cape Ceremony to honor and remember all of the Champions featured. Ryan and Ashley received a Wonder Cape in memory of Case…their little Superhero.

Gabby Miller

When four-year-old Gabriella was diagnosed with Type A Influenza, her parents never imagined that just days later they would hear the words “your daughter has a 50% chance of surviving.” The flu had just become Bart and Sarah Miller’s worst nightmare.

Thankfully, when the unimaginable happens to families, Sanford Children’s, the region’s only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, is here. From the flight team that transported Gabby to Sanford Children’s Hospital, to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit team that administered life saving care, and the state-of-the-art ventilator that helped Gabby breathe - together, a child’s life was saved. Bart and Sarah, from New Underwood, SD knew they were exactly where they needed to be and Bart, a father humbled with thanksgiving, said that he knew that if Gabby had not gotten to Sanford Children’s, he would not have his beautiful daughter with him today.

Gabby was the Children’s Miracle Network’s 2009 Champion and featured on the local telethon. At the end of the event, Gabby received a Wonder Cape during the Cape Ceremony that honored and remembered the children who were featured. Gabby Miller…miracle!

Izzy Tyrell

izzy When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family goes to battle. Izzy Tyrell of Chamberlain, SD has not had to battle her cancer alone, she has been surrounded by the love of her family and her community – making the battle a bit easier. The road to recovery for Izzy required months of chemotherapy and many trips from their home in central South Dakota to Sanford Children’s Hospital for the care she needed. The trips became a special time for Izzy and her mom, as they’ve driven 13,813 miles on their car traveling back and forth. And, throughout her treatment, this sweet little girl was known for her positive attitude and for the smile that never left her face.

Izzy’s story was featured during the Children’s Miracle Network telethon at Sanford Children’s Hospital. She received a Wonder Cape…because this little girl with a beautiful smile is without a doubt a Superhero!