
鈥淢edical play is one of the most popular approaches to help make the hospital experience fun,鈥 said Lauren Maxwell, a certified child life specialist. 鈥淭he shift in roles empowers them and gives them a sense of control.鈥
Credit: Heather Wong
Meet 6-year-old Lily Wong, also known as 鈥淒r. Lily鈥 at Hassenfeld Children鈥檚 Hospital at 秘密研究所 Langone. At just 3 years old, Lily was diagnosed with a rare and large ependymoma, a type of brain tumor. After undergoing an eight-hour surgery that was successfully performed by David H. Harter, MD, director of the at Hassenfeld Children鈥檚 Hospital, she began a treatment path that includes regular MRI scans and ongoing care under the guidance of Jessica Clymer, MD, director of the at Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children鈥檚 Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
To make hospital visits less intimidating, Lily鈥檚 mom, Heather Wong, found creative ways to bring some joy and fun to the experience, supported by Hassenfeld Children鈥檚 Hospital鈥檚 child life programs, powered by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care. Certified child life specialist Lauren Maxwell plays a key role in guiding Lily and other young patients through activities that help them understand their treatment and engage in their care.
One of Lily鈥檚 favorite traditions is dressing up as a doctor for every appointment. When she received her very own white coat for her fourth birthday, she couldn鈥檛 wait to wear it to her next MRI. From there, 鈥淒r. Lily鈥 was born.
鈥淢edical play is one of the most popular approaches to help make the hospital experience fun,鈥 said Lauren. 鈥淲e encourage kids to use their imaginations, role-playing with doll-sized medical equipment and turning stuffed animals into patients. The shift in roles empowers them and gives them a sense of control.鈥
Now a pro at her appointment routine, Lily walks into the MRI room with confidence, plays 鈥渢he floor is lava鈥 as she skips down the hallway, and eagerly picks a flavor for her anesthesia mask. 鈥淟ily has always been so calm, happy, and excited for her appointments,鈥 said Heather. 鈥淗er positive attitude makes such a difference, not just for her but for everyone around her.鈥
Whether she鈥檚 playing with a doctor鈥檚 kit or decorating her anesthesia mask with stickers, Lily continues to bring lightness and bravery to a process that could otherwise be overwhelming. It鈥檚 a reminder that even in the toughest circumstances, a little creativity and play can transform a potentially scary experience into an empowering one.
鈥淭he language of kids is play, and to see Lily show up with such excitement for every scan is a testament to the power of collaborating with her and her mom to create a fun and empowering care environment,鈥 said Lauren.
Every time Lily visits Hassenfeld Children鈥檚 Hospital, Heather captures a photo of her proudly wearing her coat and carrying her play kit. 鈥淪he鈥檚 always smiling and excited,鈥 said Heather. 鈥淒espite everything Lily has been through, she鈥檚 still our happy, bright, resilient girl.鈥
Media Inquiries
Katie Ullman
Phone: 646-483-3984
Kathryn.Ullman@秘密研究所Langone.org