Uncle Yuddy Fund Expands Inpatient Playroom Hours

Bellevue's inpatient playrooms provide "safe places" for young patients, far away from medical procedures and feared needles. These playrooms are staffed by members of the Child Life Department, who are trained in child development. They use therapeutic activities including medical play and art therapy to restore a sense of normalcy to the lives of hospitalized children.

Through generous funding by The Eugene Zitwer Foundation, also known as The Uncle Yuddy Fund, Children of Bellevue has expanded playroom hours on Friday evenings and Saturdays. As Child Life's Stephen Campbell explained, "Before we received funding from The Eugene Zitwer Foundation, kids continually asked when the playroom would be open. Waiting from Friday afternoon until Monday morning is a long stretch for a child."

The Uncle Yuddy Fund was established in memory of Eugene Zitwer whose life was characterized by his great concern, love and compassion for his fellow human beings. The Foundation provides fun, recreation and emotional support for seriously ill children. "The Uncle Yuddy Fund is thrilled to extend playroom hours in the pediatric wing for children to explore, have fun and enjoy," said Mary Zitwer Millman, Foundation President.

The additional hours have been a hit among patients. According to one 8-year-old boy, "I like the playroom being open because I'm bored in my room. This Saturday I made a sculpture and played monopoly." The funding also made it possible for him to be accompanied into the treatment room for blood samples. A staff member provided comfort and distraction from the unpleasant procedure by blowing bubbles for him to count.

The benefits of expanded playroom hours are also realized by the medical and nursing staff. Two RN's noted the value in having something other than television to amuse the children. They explained that weekends are especially difficult because parents and caregivers are often working or caring for children at home. Therefore they are unable to visit hospitalized children. Saturday playroom hours allow these children to be active and creative.

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