As a 501(c)(3), Lift Brigade® supports children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diagnoses with distraction tools, advocacy and support aimed at making this difficult time as positive as possible for all involved …
Our programs align with hospital/clinic Child Life Services programs but are strongly influenced by our founder Lance White’s personal experience after being diagnosed with cancer in September of 2014. To learn more about Lance and how he selflessly used his Make-A-Wish® to start Lift Brigade, please see About Us.
[from The Child Life Profession website] Infants, children and youth confront a wide variety of stressful and potentially traumatic events that can impact their ability to cope. These experiences related to healthcare can lead to feelings of fear, confusion, loss of control and isolation that can inhibit their development and have negative effects on their physical and emotional health and well-being.
Lance experienced this 1st hand and he witnessed other kids in stressful situations and he wanted to help.
Our programs are focused on:
– Distraction Tools
– Awareness and Advocacy
– Patient/Family Support
Impact on treatment @ Dell Children’s
“Lance knew from his own experience, the power of distraction and gaming to positively impact the coping and emotional safety of children and youth undergoing treatment. By helping our hospital realize the value and the impact of this type of support, Lance and Lift Brigade have opened the door to new and exciting opportunities to make the use of technology and gaming a reality and a priority for patients served at Dell Children’s. We are excited to see what the future brings as we continue to grow and serve our Austin community with support from amazing partners like Lift Brigade!”
Kim Stephens, Dell Children’s Medical Center
Director, Child Life and Expressive Therapies
Current efforts support:
– Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas
– Children’s Blood and Cancer Center @ DCMC
– Doctor’s Hospital @ Renaissance (Edinburg, TX)
– Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer & Hematology Clinic(McAllen, TX)