In 2018 you invested more in the community than ever before. With your help, Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) provided world-class programs to children and teens in the hospital and explored the future of joy in healthcare. 2018 was the year we decided transforming a moment isn’t enough – we need to transform the entire experience.

Keep reading for our favorite highlights throughout the year.

Your Impact

Closing out our fiscal year, we are thrilled to share we served 49% more kids and teens and 24% more family members.

We invested enhanced professional training into our MyMusicRx Specialists while launching MyMusicRx at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Tri-Cities, WA and added new units of service at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Our generous supporters donated nearly $4,000 worth of games, movies, art supplies, and outdoor activities for families at the Caring Cabin. 100% of the families reported that the Cabin provided them a chance to connect with each other and create positive memories, while 86% said their child felt energized after spending time there.

We implemented rigorous assessments and updated case management procedures in our Chemo Pal Mentor Program to ensure the highest level of safety for participating kids and teens. Free community experiences for families increased by 44%.

The Link program saw an 18% increase in the number of in-kind donations for goods and services. As a result of such generosity, 11% more families were served and it was the most successful Joy for the Holidays yet.

And last, but not least, we released the 5^th edition of Kids’ Cancer Pages, our comprehensive national resource guide for families with a seriously ill child or teen. Over 600 copies were distributed free of charge to hospitals in all 50 states.

Exploring the Efficacy of Music Medicine

2018 also began our dive into the measurable impact of music medicine. In the first study of its kind, we partnered with Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Legacy Research Institute to assess the impact of live music medicine on post-surgery pediatric patients to reduce pain and anxiety.

The study found that a single music intervention in a post-surgery setting was not enough to change the vitals of pediatric patients, but we are excited to continue exploring this exciting area and continue to research the psychological well-being of the patient and family perception during a music interaction.

Mood-Based Music Medicine

MyMusicRx.org made a grand comeback with a brand-new mood shift tool, empowering children and teens to shift, plan, and grow through music. In addition, children and teens can now request instruments from our MyMusicRx Specialists for delivery on service days at our local partner hospitals: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Randall Children’s Hospital.

“As the first hospital to launch MyMusicRx 23 years ago we have seen first-hand the program’s proven and measurable impacts in reducing stress and anxiety for seriously ill kids and their families,” said Cindy Hill, Chief Nursing Officer, Randall Children’s Hospital. “As CCA’s long-time research and development partner, we are incredibly excited to welcome the new MyMusicRx.org digital platform to their already robust suite of services which infuse our hospital with the healing power of music and improve the quality of life for our patients, visitors, and medical staff.”

New Hospital Partners

With the help of Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy, we gave away 300 new Kala Brand Music ukuleles to hospitals! Donated ukuleles combined with the launch of MyMusicRx.org created new hospital partnerships across the country.

We are proud to share our five new digital partners; Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Intermountain, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, St. Peter’s University.

Now, more children and teens than ever have access to our online MyMusicRx services and mood-based music medicine.

Healing Through A Connection with Nature

This summer, we launched NatureRx, a pilot program to explore the healing power of nature for teens and young adults. The program offered hiking, photography, kayaking, yoga, zip line tours, and train rides.

During these trips, we witnessed something magical. The teens opened up to each other about their cancer journey while sharing thoughts and advice. They made friends and memories while gaining the confidence to speak their own story.

A new NatureRx adventure is taking place each month. Activities range from wilderness skills, bike repairs, hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Every Child Deserves Joy

Thanks to your donations, support, and trust in our work, we have made leaps and bounds towards a future where EVERY child and teen facing a serious medical illness has access to joy-based programs wherever and whenever they need them. Donate today to help us continue making a difference.