At Joy for Little Lives
We believe that even during some of the hardest moments, children deserve to feel comforted, supported, and surrounded by care.
We support children receiving medical care by providing Child Life Specialists with the tools, resources, and funding they need to bring comfort, hope, and moments of joy into the hospital experience.
How We Bring Joy?
We focus on simple ways to make a meaningful difference for children and families:
1. Bring Joy to Children in the Hospital
We provide toys, comfort items, and therapeutic materials that help children feel less scared and more supported during medical care.
2. Send Joy Home with Children
We create take-home gifts and comfort items so children can keep something special with them, even after they leave the hospital.
3. Support the Future of Child Life
We help fund internships and practicums so more Child Life Specialists can support children and families when they need it most.
Helping Children Feel Less Afraid
Being in the hospital can be scary for a child. There are unfamiliar rooms, medical equipment, procedures, and people they have never met before. It can feel overwhelming, especially when they do not fully understand what is happening. That is where Child Life Specialists make a difference.
They are trained professionals
Who help children understand what is happening, feel more in control and cope with fear, stress, and uncertainty through play, preparation, and emotional support. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a child holding onto a small toy before a procedure or finding comfort in a quiet moment of play. Those small moments can make a big difference.
A Personal Mission
Joy for Little Lives was founded by Katie-Beth Jinier, a high school student whose own experience receiving care in a hospital introduced her to the impact of Child Life Specialists.
During her care, she saw how something as simple as having someone explain what was happening, offer a distraction, or provide a small moment of comfort could make a scary experience feel more manageable.
That experience stayed with her and inspired her to create Joy for Little Lives so more children can feel supported, understood, and less alone during medical care.
Help Bring Joy Today
Every donation helps us bring comfort, support, and joy to children in hospitals.