Pediatric patients at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children are now experiencing the joy and healing power of gaming, thanks to a generous grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Dedicated to bringing happiness to kids battling hunger or illness, the Foundation is enhancing hospital stays through its Connecting Joy program, offering patients a much-needed escape from the stress of hospitalization.
In honor of National Video Games Day on September 12, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation awarded the hospital a $158,520 Connecting Joy gaming grant. “With gaming being such a large part of children’s lives, this grant will help us ensure we have the best equipment and expertise to meet their needs during hospitalization,” said Sheri Mosely, Director of Child Life & Creative Therapies at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She emphasized that beyond being recreational, gaming can reduce pain and discomfort, boost socialization, and even provide educational enrichment through problem-solving and critical thinking. “We look forward to offering many hours of joy and therapeutic engagement for our young patients.”
Launched in 2021, the Connecting Joy program aims to bring hospitalized children and teens a sense of normalcy. Gaming offers a positive distraction, helping children work on cognitive skills, gain a sense of control, and cope better with their hospital experiences. Research has shown that gaming can be a valuable tool in improving a child’s overall hospital experience and promoting healing. The grant provides funding for equipment, staffing, and connectivity to ensure kids can enjoy gaming right at their bedside.
“Hospital stays can be stressful for kids and teens, and gaming is a great way for them to express themselves, connect with others facing similar challenges, and simply have fun,” said Emilly Bartels, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin’. “Our Connecting Joy program helps hospitals offer gaming experiences to pediatric patients. The power of play has a profound impact on both mental and physical health.”
To learn more about the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and its initiatives across communities nationwide, visit www.bringjoy.org.
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