HospiceCare of Southeast Florida, Inc. announced the grand opening of the pediatric initiative, TiLLi Kids. Over a hundred guests enjoyed the atmosphere at John Martins Restaurant in Coral Gables to commemorate this occasion and to welcome the medical staff, the supporters, sponsors and guests.

The mission of TiLLi Kids is to maximize the overall quality of life for children diagnosed with a terminal illness or life limiting illness (TILLI) and their families. TiLLi Kids brings care and comfort home for the child and provides support to the parents, siblings, and all family ties.

(l-r) Lourdes Canete, Volunteer Coordinator, Miami-Dade; Esther Monzon-Aguirre, COO; Amy Betz, Graphic Design/Event Coordinator; Emily Betz, Grant & Data Administrator; Dr. Patricia Cantwell, Medical Director of TiLLi Kids; Samantha Peck, RN, BSN, Pediatric Team Coordinator; Caren J. Bock, RN, CPN, Public Relations Coordinator; Zoie Watson Saunders, Director of Development, Miami-Dade; and Dr. Nara, Medical Director of HospiceCare (kneeling).

When we think about hospice and palliative care, we typically think of an older adult who has lived a long and fulfilling life; that should be the natural order of things. A child should spend their childhood running, climbing tress and celebrating birthdays. However, the reality is that over 50,000 children die every year in the United States, and less than 1% of these children receive the services they need and deserve due to a lack of programming nationally. HospiceCare of Southeast Florida has always cared for pediatric patients, however, in recent years we have identified the truly unique needs of children and their families. TiLLi Kids was developed in conjunction with Holtz Children’s Hospital’s Palliative Care team to address this need and to help transition children from the hospital to the comforts of their home, where they could be surrounded by all their family. TiLLi Kids focuses on alleviating the pain and suffering of children with a terminal/life limiting illness.

TiLLi Kids Medical Director, Dr. G. Patricia Cantwell is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Miami and the Medical Director of Holtz Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “Dr. Cantwell has been known to create little miracles within the hospital setting and brings her special magic into the homes of our TiLLi Kids families. We are honored and privileged to have her leadership and commitment and our program is better for it,” stated Zoie Watson, Director of Development in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.