Fun Toys Inspire Future Donations

Patients of all ages have fond memories of toys and gifts at the hospital, which inspires some of them to donate.

Hallie, age 8, a patient at Shriners Children’s Chicago, was born with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, in which a baby’s lip does not form properly, resulting in a split on one side of the lip. She received her first palate repair surgery in Indianapolis and unfortunately, it was not a success.

“This was tough on Hallie and for us as parents,” said Katie, Hallie’s mom. Her parents researched other options and ultimately chose Shriners Children’s Chicago.

“We felt comfortable immediately from walking in the door for our first visit and have never looked back,” said Travis, Hallie's dad. Hallie and her family said the trust that’s built between patients, family, and staff at Shriners Children’s Chicago makes even difficult surgery days a little more comfortable.

Mitchell F. Grasseschi, M.D., plastic surgeon at Shriners Children’s Chicago, repaired the child's palate successfully.

After her first surgery, Hallie received an American Girl doll. This is just one of the many toys Hallie would receive after a visit or surgery. “These gifts really do make a big difference for those tough procedures, and we are so grateful,” Travis said.

Since then, Hallie and her family said the staff members here have surpassed their expectations with a team approach.

After a couple of procedures, Hallie asked her parents where the toys came from, and her parents said, “Well, people donate them.” After that moment, Hallie decided she wanted to pay it forward and give back to a place that has given her a new smile. Hallie and her family brought in a donation full of toys and games for patients. One of the toys was a squishmallow, a stuffed animal similar to one that Hallie also received.

From Mexico to Chicago: Inspired to Give Back

Luis was a patient at Shriners Children’s Chicago and Shriners Hospitals for Children — Mexico. Luis, 18, recently graduated from his pediatric care. Before his last appointment, the teen knew he wanted to give back in some way. After some thought, Luis decided a donation for future patients would be the best option. He donated over 110 new decorative sports pillows. He said because of his care it was important to pay it forward as a form of gratitude.

“The toys and items I received over the years at Shriners Children’s Chicago and Mexico have really made a difference during my visits, whether they were long or short. I still remember all of the toys and items I received. I hope future patients benefit from these pillows, not only that but I hope it puts a smile on their face as it did for me when I received a gift from Shriners Chicago,” said Luis.