Once Upon a Room Celebrates Milestone with Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein Partnership

In an inspiring move to enhance the lives of children in medical care, Once Upon a Room has proudly selected the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) as its 50th partner. Founded by Josie Hull, who was formerly a conjoined twin, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating healing spaces for young patients across the nation. The announcement was made recently, with official recognition taking place on July 2, where Josie, alongside her co-founders Jenny (her mother) and Siena (her best friend), took part in transforming patient rooms at CHAM.

Josie and her sister Teresa were separated during an extensive surgery at UCLA Medical Center in 2002. Their experiences in healthcare settings motivated Josie to recognize the positive impact a comforting and personalized space can have on children's recovery. This realization led to the establishment of Once Upon a Room in 2014, which has since impacted the lives of over 30,000 children by transforming hospital rooms into personalized havens.

"Our goal was simple — to spread kindness and joy to children facing difficult health challenges," stated Josie, who is turning 25 this month. "It has evolved into a nationwide movement that brings warmth and hope, and reaching our 50th hospital partnership is a significant milestone for us. We are overjoyed to collaborate with the incredible team at CHAM."

CHAM is a leading pediatric hospital located in the Bronx, New York, renowned for its success in separating conjoined twins, including the Aguirre brothers in 2004 and the McDonald brothers in 2016. The hospital provides advanced therapeutic care for over 7,000 children annually, addressing serious health conditions including cancer, heart failure, and severe respiratory issues. Many children may find themselves hospitalized for extended periods, which can be emotionally challenging.

The CHAM Child Life Department plays a crucial role in supporting young patients through their healthcare journeys. Composed of Child Life Specialists, this department aims to meet the emotional and developmental needs of children while making their hospital experiences more enjoyable. They organize events like the annual CHAM prom to help uplift young patients and foster a sense of normalcy during their treatment.

Hilary Woodward, Director of Patient and Family Programs at CHAM, expressed the significance of this partnership: "Being away from home can be difficult for young children, especially while they are undergoing treatment. Collaborating with Once Upon a Room allows us to add an essential layer of comfort and happiness to our patients’ experiences while we provide critical medical care."

As part of the collaboration with Once Upon a Room, the Child Life team at CHAM identifies patients who would benefit from the hospital room transformations. Families complete a questionnaire that enables the Once Upon a Room team to customize the room based on the child’s interests and preferences. This could include decorations, toys, and other comforting items that not only enhance their hospital stay but can also be taken home.

Once Upon a Room continues to strive for a positive impact in the healthcare community, advocating for the healing benefits of personalized environments for hospitalized children. For more details about their mission and ongoing projects, visit Once Upon a Room's website.

About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is a premier academic health system serving around three million individuals across the Bronx, Westchester, and Hudson Valley regions. With ten hospitals, including CHAM and Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, along with over 200 outpatient care sites, Montefiore provides personalized, high-quality care. Their clinical research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine directly enhances treatment outcomes, ensuring comprehensive care for patients and families. For additional information, please visit Montefiore’s website. Follow them on social media for updates and insights.