Walt Disney Company Donating $100 Million to Children’s Hospitals

Bob Iger and other representatives announced today that The Walt Disney Company is donating $100 Million to children’s hospitals as part of their “Team of Heroes” philanthropy program.  Disney will be contributing this money to the Children’s Hospitals in order to further enhance a family’s comfort and experiences when they are visiting hospitals where children are being treated for life-threatening illnesses.

Disney will use its famous “Imagineers” to bring that same magic which is found in the theme parks, into the Children’s Hospitals.  Iconic Disney characters and their stories will be woven into creative elements of the atmosphere, which will make it much easier for families and the children to deal with their time at the hospital.  Disney outlined the following plan:

• A new RFID-based system allowing patients to customize their hospital visit by choosing their favorite Disney stories and characters, which will surround them during their stay. The system will also unlock special elements to further personalize and enhance the experience, such as “enchanted” artwork that comes alive.
• Themed treatment and patient rooms featuring interactive murals of Disney stories, bed linens and gowns featuring each child’s favorite characters, and personalized in-room entertainment. Additionally, well stocked mobile “play carts” will include Disney-themed games and activities to give families something to do together to help alleviate stress and boredom.
• Disney first-run movies and television shows, available both in-room and in themed pop up movie theaters in the hospital, along with other Disney entertainment options.
• Disney customer-experience training for doctors, nurses and staff. The renowned Disney Institute, a part of The Walt Disney Company that provides professional development training focused on leadership, employee engagement and high quality service, will create a customized program for healthcare professionals designed to foster a less stressful, patient and family-centric hospital experience.

 

“Disney’s timeless stories have touched hearts and lifted spirits for generations, and we believe they can bring comfort to children and families going through a very difficult time,” said Mr. Iger. “Using the powerful combination of our beloved characters and legendary creativity, we’re planning to transform the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world—creating a personalized and engaging atmosphere that will inspire young patients and ease the stress of a hospital stay.”

The first Children’s Hospital which will be getting a makeover will be the Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas.  This is the largest children’s hospital in the United States, and one of the leaders in pediatric health.

President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital Mark A. Wallace had this to say: “We are honored to be the inaugural hospital to collaborate with Disney on this exciting patient-focused initiative,” said . “Patient care is at the center of our mission, and in addition to providing the highest-quality medical care to children, we strive to make the hospital experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for every patient and their family. We are looking forward to working with Disney to enhance our efforts in this area.”

Disney is drawing from a group of medical experts, including doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, child life professionals and parents from around the world, to  find out the best ways Disney can create a better experience for patients and families visiting these facilities.

The Walt Disney Company is also continuing to expand its work with children’s wish-granting organizations.  In 2017, The Walt Disney Company, granted more than 10,000 wishes for children facing critical illnesses around the world.  In total since the beginning in the early 1980’s, Disney has fulfilled more than 120,000 wishes.

Donating to the Children’s Hospitals is all part of the Company’s “Team of Heroes” community outreach and philanthropy efforts which help to deliver comfort, happiness and inspiration to families around the world.

It’s always nice to hear when companies are giving back and trying to improve the lives of others, especially the children and their families in a case like this.  I look forward to seeing what other endeavors of a similar nature the Walt Disney Company undertakes in the future.

Your Thoughts:

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News Source: Walt Disney Company