ParentWISE™ program
ParentWISE™ — Parent Wisdom
In Shared E xperience™ — is a
Children's Memorial Hospital volunteer program that supports parents during
their child's diagnosis and treatment. ParentWISE volunteers are parents who
know first-hand what it is like to care for a seriously ill child.
"Connecting with the ParentWISE volunteer gave my husband
and me hope that we could get through this ordeal, and it helped our own parents
imagine a future for their grandchild" - NICU parent
Building on the common bond of their child's illness or care experience,
ParentWISE:
Connects the parents of current patients with experienced
and specially trained parent-volunteers who listen and offer support in multiple
ways;
Empowers parents to partner effectively with their child's
care team, and to advocate for their child during and after treatment; and
Supports families in managing the stresses of having a very
sick child.
Families experience emotional and practical difficulties when a child is very
sick. Parents — the people who are making day-to-day health care decisions for a
child — often feel uncertain, anxious, and isolated. Not even well-intentioned
family and friends know first-hand what they are going through. But there are
other parents who do.
Because of their personal experiences, ParentWISE volunteers offer hope and
practical support to families coping with medical challenges.
"I learned so much during my own child's illness. Now I want
to help other parents who are facing similar challenges" - ParentWISE volunteer.
Resources associated with the program vary by setting, and may include:
- In-person and/or telephone support during the admission and after
discharge
- Parent journal/Resource guide
- In-person support during day hospital visits and appointments with
doctors.
The ParentWISE program is currently established in:
"When riding on the roller coaster of parenting a sick child, there is
nothing like another parent who has been on the ride to give insight, survival
tips, and hope. " - Victoria Collado, President, Family Advisory Board, 2005.
The ParentWISE program is dedicated to the well-being of the whole family.
Previously known as Family to Family, it builds on the success of a volunteer
parent initiative established in 1987. The program is still offered by parents
for parents. It operates with the support of Children's Memorial Hospital
leadership, medical, and ancillary staff, and the Family
Advisory Board.
Links of interest include: Kohl's
House, the Family Advisory Board,
and the Ronald
McDonald House. For more information, contact Volunteer@childrensmemorial.org.
Please mention your interest in the ParentWISE program.