The Child Life Services Department of NorthShore Evanston Hospital Receives Its Ninth Grant from the Tri-Sigma Foundation

For the past nine years, members of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and the Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter have been passionate supporters of the Child Life Services Department at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Evanston Hospital. Last month, members from the local chapter were invited to tour the Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU) at NorthShore Evanston Hospital to see firsthand the impact their gifts will have on patients.

Knowing that hospitalization can be scary for young patients, the Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter’s philanthropic efforts have focused on making the hospital stay a more positive and familiar experience for children. The acute needs of the patients in the ISCU are always changing, and the program was in need of some upgrades to meet the evolving physical, psychological and emotional needs of neonatal patients.

“Since many of the most complex patients stay in the hospital for several months, they have developmental needs that differ from the neonates,” said Tina Edwardson, BSN, RNC Clinical Nurse Manager, Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU) at NorthShore Evanston Hospital. “I can’t thank the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation enough for the generous grant to help NorthShore’s tiniest of patients.”

The grant will be used to purchase a Playscapes Play Panel Box, therapy mats, a Tumble Forms Deluxe Floor Sitter, infant crib mirrors and 4moms® “mamaRoo®” infant seats for the littlest patients at NorthShore Evanston Hospital. These items will provide comfort and help them continue their development while they are hospitalized.

“We’re so glad to be able to help support NorthShore Evanston Hospital’s remarkable work with the little patients in the ISCU,” said Jill Schmidt, Philanthropy Vice President of the Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma. “This year’s tour was a very memorable experience for our chapter to see all of the wonderful things the ISCU department does. We value our long-lasting relationship with the hospital and are so glad we’re able to continue to help children of all ages, their families and this wonderful hospital.”

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 staff and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 900 physician, multispecialty group practice with some 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials, medical informatics and genomics. The NorthShore Foundation is the organization’s primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute and NorthShore Cardiovascular Institute, as well as high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.

About Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation

Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the 100,000-member Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority (Tri Sigma), and supports programs consistent with Tri Sigma values. The Foundation raises funds to provide leadership training for women, graduate and undergraduate scholarships to members, and grants that support life-enhancing therapeutic play and child life programs at hospitals around the country. Since 1954, therapeutic play has been the focus of Sigma Sigma Sigma’s philanthropic outreach. Therapeutic play helps seriously ill children understand and cope with their illnesses and the treatments they must undergo.

Through the Robbie Page Memorial Fund, the Foundation makes grants each year to agencies serving children in the communities where Tri Sigma chapters are located. In addition, the Foundation provides a matching grant program to match funds raised by alumnae and collegiate chapters, benefiting therapeutic play. The Foundation also funds national fellowships and two facilities. Over the years, Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation has awarded nearly $3 million in grants to help children. For more information, visit trisigmafoundation.org.