J.C., the sweet angelic boy I wrote about last time, lived with us along with his sister for 16 months until they were reunified with their parents. During the time we fostered them, J.C. refused to go on the “big boy potty.” Try as we might, nothing worked. Bribes, sinking cereal, promises of great presents and the potty dance all left him amused, and us exasperated.

One day, J.C. decided he wanted a puppy to add to the organized chaos we called home. With my fingers crossed, I told him …Continue reading this post

The week between Christmas and New Year’s brings a bit of a reprieve when I like to take a moment to quietly reflect on how the holidays are going. The lists were made and checked twice. Holiday gatherings with family and friends were full of sweet treats and good cheer. We shared gifts and many boxes were unwrapped.

But if we think “outside the box,” what really makes this time of year so special? I think being with loved ones is what we all …Continue reading this post

Our blog continues to be an important tool we use to stay in touch with patients, families, advocates, donors and community partners across Wisconsin and the country. This year was no exception.

To help showcase some of this year’s best blog posts, we put together the following list that ranks the 10 blog posts published in 2011 with …Continue reading this post

The language of art is colorful, messy, sometimes loud and sometimes quiet. The language of art extends beyond thinking into feeling, giving voice to the unspeakable. For families with a hospitalized child, the unspeakable can be overwhelming, painful, heartbreaking, worrisome and unfathomable.

As an art therapist, I have the opportunity to utilize my unique skill set, creativity, and the art process to bridge a seemingly insurmountable gap between hospitalization and home. I meet families in their time of crisis, when …Continue reading this post

It’s officially winter and what better way to kick off the season than with a winter carnival! Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin’s first-ever Winter Carnival gave our patients and their families a cool experience despite being in the hospital during the holidays. Our lobby was magically transformed into a winter wonderland, where families got to experience the spirit of the holidays.

Watch the following video to see how winter-themed …Continue reading this post