Tracy's Kids Art Therapy Program Launches at The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai
Baltimore, MD - Through the healing power of art, cancer patients and families at The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai are finding joy and comfort during what can be emotionally trying times.
Sinai Hospital recently celebrated the launch of the children's hospital's year-round support program, Tracy's Kids, an art therapy initiative that helps young cancer patients and their loved ones cope with the stress and trauma that can result from a diagnosis and the treatment process.
"The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital is committed to delivering exceptional specialty care to our patients while also providing tremendous support to their families. We believe this family-centered approach is critical to improving clinical outcomes, strengthening family bonds, and maintaining healthy relationships between families and the care team. This approach underscores the essence of Tracy's Kids," says Dr. Aziza T. Shad, chair of the Samuelson Children's Hospital and director of Sinai Hospital's Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.
Shad adds, "Art therapy helps a child express his or her fears through art. I cannot imagine practicing pediatric oncology without the support of art therapy. It definitely makes my job easier. We're excited about the potential of this program to help our young cancer patients cope with their disease and feel even more comfortable in our facility as they continue on their courageous journey."
Open to hematology-oncology inpatients and outpatients (from toddlers to patients in their twenties) and their families, Tracy's Kids encourages creative and emotional expressions through clay, paints, wood and various other mediums. The program is offered at no charge to families.
Art therapists employed through Tracy's Kids are considered integral members of the care teams. They are board certified and Master's trained to address the multifaceted needs of young cancer patients.
"When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected. Sometimes when we're upset or don't understand what's going on, it's hard to put our feelings into words. Tracy's Kids seeks to normalize the hospital environment for patients and families and make it easier for them to process their emotions, express themselves and communicate with each other," says Danielle Eichner, pediatric art specialist at the Samuelson Children's Hospital. "By giving these families a creative, wholesome outlet, we're helping families gain some control during a difficult period."
Tracy's Kids began in 1991 at a Washington, D.C. hospital and has since been implemented at six other medical clinics throughout the United States. The Samuelson Children's Hospital is the program's newest location.
For more about Tracy's Kids, visit www.tracyskids.org. You can learn more about The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital by visiting our website or calling 410-601-9000.
Sinai Hospital is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest providers of health care in Maryland. In addition to Sinai Hospital, LifeBridge Health include Northwest Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Carr