Joy Bags

Inpatient stays in the hospital are incredibly complicated and disruptive for pediatric patients and their families. Oncology/hematology patients not only have to manage difficult treatments, but they also have to adjust to being away from home, with different food, bedding, comfort items and entertainment. Caregivers may have other children to care for, either in the hospital or at home, and need to balance work responsibilities, childcare, medical supports and treatment, return to home planning, and the everyday worries of caring for a critically ill child.

Before she passed, Abby had planned to deliver supplies and activities to children and their families at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Abby believed there was a specific need for children ages 10-14, who may be too old for toys, but still want to be engaged while they stay in the hospital. Abby was a picky eater and knew that takeout of her choosing was a wonderful treat - she wanted other kids to have gift cards so they could get whatever they wanted (which, for Abby, was sometimes cake!) for a meal. And she had so many other ideas! Abby was not able to complete this incredible project, so AZFF is picking up where she left off!

Introducing Joy Bags! 

The first batch of Joy Bags have been created and are ready to be distributed to families at CT Children’s.

Some of the items in the Joy Bags include:

• Gift card

• Insulated cooler bag

• Hand/face towel

• Activity books

• Deck of “Love, Abby” playing cards

• Multi-charging cable w/charging block

• Microwaveable soup bowl

• Lego set

• Travel utensil set

Love, Abby