Past Programs

Applied VR: Virtual Reality Program – Seed funding from the League allowed for the purchase of a number of virtual reality headsets to implement this program at the hospital. Applied VR allows patients to immerse themselves in a virtual reality experience, choosing from a variety of content that will help to ease the discomfort, pain, and anxiety that can come with a hospital stay.

Augmentative Communication Program – The League provided seed funding to support a first-of-its-kind program at Boston Children’s Hospital. This program offers hope for adult patients who are diagnosed with ALS by giving them the ability to speak through their own recorded words to caregivers, friends, and loved ones as the disease progresses.

Behavioral Response Team – With League funding, Boston Children’s Behavioral Response Team, in collaboration with other departments, will be able to create safe, temporary spaces for children and teens at risk of harming themselves or others. Wall panels, crash pads (mattress-shaped bean bags), padded floor mats and impact cushions—all portable—will create sensitive, safe environments when and where needed.

BCHL Family Day – BCHL Family Day was an annual weekend event, hosted by the League. Patients and families enjoyed hands on activities including face painting, arts and crafts, and cookie decorating. Additionally, they were entertained by a magic show, a sing-along, yoyo lessons and/or a surprise visit from one of Boston’s renowned Sports figures.

Children’s Hospital Equipment for Adaptive Recreation Program (CHEAR) – This program provided clinical expertise, access, and funding for adaptive recreational equipment to children with special health care needs. This equipment allowed children the freedom to engage in mainstream activities to gain self-confidence, develop physical abilities, and practice social skills.

Inpatient Car Seat Program – This program ensures that all patients under the age of eight, including those with complex special needs, are provided with a car seat upon discharge. League funds have been used to support the acquisition of this specialty equipment.

Pawprints Program – Since the program’s inception, League funds have been used to support operating expenses associated with Boston Children’s Hospital’s pet visitation program. Through this program specially-trained dogs provide a healthy diversion to patients and families throughout hospitalization and treatment.

Pediatric Transplant Center – League funding was provided to implement a supportive program for families receiving treatment in the Pediatric Transplant Center, a lifelong journey with the need for continual support and education.

The Martha Eliot Health Center (MEHC) – MEHC is located near the Bromley Health Housing Development in Jamaica Plain. It serves inpatient, outpatient, and community families through a broad scope of programming. The League has supported Asthma Management and the Child Passenger Safety Program at MEHC. 

Traveling Sensory Room – The League has provided resources to address the unique needs of patients in the Emergency Department with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as children with other sensory-processing disorder diagnoses. The program is designed to help decrease stimulation which will, in turn, mitigate anxiety in the unpredictable hospital environment.

Volunteer Services – BCHL was the primary source of funding for the Volunteer Department’s in person and virtual entertainment program that serves patients, siblings, and families in various clinics, inpatient units, and the Emergency Department.