#USA #Bronx #Josie Hull #Once Upon a Room #Montefiore Hospital

Josie Hull's Heartwarming Initiative

In a remarkable collaboration, Josie Hull, a former conjoined twin, has selected the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) as the 50th hospital affiliated with her non-profit organization, Once Upon a Room. This nonprofit, founded on the values of healing and care, aims to enrich the lives of hospitalized children, creating welcoming environments that facilitate recovery.

Founded 25 years ago by Hull, who herself was born as a conjoined twin, Once Upon a Room was inspired by her own experiences in healthcare as a child. On July 2, 2026, the partnership was solidified when Josie, alongside her mother Jenny and childhood friend Siena, transformed hospital rooms for young patients at CHAM, infusing a sense of comfort and joy amid their medical journeys.

CHAM is recognized as a leading pediatric facility in the Bronx, New York, known for its exemplary care, including the successful separation of several pairs of conjoined twins. Jesse and her twin sister Teresa underwent a similar procedure in 2002, a challenging 23-hour surgery that changed their lives.

Throughout their upbringing, Josie and Teresa faced numerous health challenges, and their mother's insight into the healing power of small touches in their hospital rooms significantly influenced Josie’s aspiration to brighten children's stays in hospitals. Since its inception, Once Upon a Room has impacted over 30,000 children's hospital rooms across the nation, a tribute to the healing spirit the organization embodies.

Josie, now 25, passionately states, "Our goal was to share a simple act of kindness with children going through difficult times. Today, our organization has blossomed into a national movement, imparting warmth, hope, and love to children’s hospital rooms, one at a time." It is indeed a momentous achievement to reach fifty partner hospitals, and the collaboration with CHAM brings abundant joy.

The Role of CHAM in Pediatric Care

CHAM serves over 7,000 children annually, many of whom receive specialized care for severe medical conditions like cancer and heart failure. Some young patients spend prolonged periods in the hospital, and the Child Life department plays a crucial role in their emotional and developmental well-being. The team, comprising Child Life Specialists, provides support by addressing the emotional needs and helping children cope with their hospital experiences and treatments, which can be quite daunting for them.

Reflecting on the partnership, Hilary Woodward, Director of Patient and Family Programs at CHAM, explains, "Being away from home and family is particularly challenging for children, especially as they face illness and treatment. Our collaboration with Once Upon a Room provides a meaningful way to comfort and bring joy to our patients as we deliver advanced therapies for their recovery."

The Child Life team starts the room transformation process by evaluating which patients could benefit from a revamped space. Families complete a survey detailing the child's hobbies and preferences, ensuring that each room is personalized to meet their emotional and recreational needs. Items added to the room not only brighten the child's stay but can also be taken home, extending the joy beyond their hospital experience.

The Montefiore Health System Perspective

Montefiore Health System, one of New York's leading academic healthcare systems, provides exceptional personalized healthcare to about three million individuals in the Bronx, Westchester, and Hudson Valley areas. With a comprehensive network of ten hospitals, CHAM is an integral part of a robust healthcare ecosystem offering coordinated medical services. The advanced clinical and translational research from Albert Einstein College of Medicine informs patient care, enhancing outcomes across numerous specialties.

Through its commitment to improving children's health, Montefiore continues to foster initiatives like Once Upon a Room, exemplifying the role of compassion and creativity in medical settings. To learn more, visit Montefiore Health System's official website, and connect on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.