January 5, 2023 – Being hospitalized during the holiday season is never easy, but a recent visit by fictional characters brought to life as puppets was a day-brightener for both patients and parents at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Gizmo and Messy, created by author Suzanne Kline-Costa and seen on PBS-TV, put on a show at the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, teaching kids important lessons about handing challenging situations. The pair interacted with patients, took photos, and donated plush Gizmo reading buddies and books.
“There’s something comforting about a puppet that I think can be very healing,” said Kline-Costa. “Most kids are scared coming into hospitals and it’s not an experience you want to take lightly, so I think it’s really good to have that little piece of comfort added.”
Following the event, Kline-Costa announced a fundraiser for the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation that will run through January 15. For every 2023 Gizmo and Friends calendar sold during that time, a percentage of the proceeds will go to support kids, families, and programs at the children’s hospital. The link to purchase is https://www.gizmo4kids.com/jdch-calendar.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches.
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.
To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
