SAN ANTONIO — March marks National Child Life Month, and CHRISTUS Children’s is shining a light on the dedicated child life specialists who help transform hospital stays into moments filled with comfort, courage and connection.

Child life specialists are a vital part of the pediatric health care team, supporting children and families through treatment and recovery. Their work centers on easing fear, reducing anxiety and creating positive experiences during what can often be overwhelming circumstances.

“The team focuses on making each child feel valued and cared for, turning the hospital experience into one filled with hope, happiness and a little bit of magic,” said Adela Garcia, director of child life at CHRISTUS Children’s. “We’re able to do this by offering a variety of programs within the child life department. They each play a vital role in helping our families feel more at ease during such a difficult time.”

Programs Designed to Support Healing

The child life department offers a range of specialized programs tailored to meet the emotional and developmental needs of young patients, including:

• Music therapy

• The Puppyatrics facility dog program featuring Marcus and Jaime

• Gaming and technology engagement

• A dedicated Child Life Zone

Through these initiatives, children are given opportunities to play, express themselves and experience moments of normalcy within a clinical setting.

Child life specialists also provide:

• Developmentally appropriate preparation for procedures, surgery and medical tests

• Medical and therapeutic play

• Education about illness, injury and treatment

• Procedural support and distraction techniques

• Coping plans and emotional support

• Advocacy for patient and family involvement in care

• Sibling education and support

Each service is designed to empower children and families with knowledge, comfort and confidence throughout their medical journey.

Powered by Philanthropy

Unlike many hospital departments, child life services do not generate revenue through medical procedures. The program is sustained entirely through philanthropic support.

Donations directly fund therapeutic programs that help ease fear and strengthen healing. Financial contributions ensure that each child receives an experience that feels personal, integrated and centered on hope.

“It’s incredible to see the pure happiness on a patient’s face when Marcus and I walk into a room,” said Allison Sharawi, senior child life specialist and facility dog handler at CHRISTUS Children’s. “Marcus and Jaime bring a sense of normalcy to our patients in a hospital setting. When a patient pets and/or plays with them, it can bring them a sense of peace during what can be an uncertain time for them.”

As National Child Life Month continues, CHRISTUS Children’s is recognizing the compassionate professionals who blend clinical knowledge with creativity and empathy, ensuring that healing extends beyond medicine.

To learn more about the child life department at CHRISTUS Children’s, visit the hospital’s website.