"Jay" works on his Magnificent Marvelous Me" book during one of his many visits to the Mt. Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital

“Jay” is an 11 year-old boy who lives with a chronic condition which requires weekly check ups, medication infusions and hospital admissions. Despite his challenges, Jay loves to be silly and have fun, and he absolutely blossoms when he gets the opportunity to express his thoughts and ideas on paper.

The Child Life & Creative Arts Therapy Department at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital wrote a grant to a local foundation to be able to help kids like Jay through our therapeutic books.

Director Diane Rode MPS, CCLS, ATR-BC, LCAT appreciates that Art with Heart’s journals “provide open ended questions, creative colorful artwork and insightful thought-provoking questions geared towards children living with a chronic or life-threatening illness.”

She commented, “lt is through the use of the creative arts that enable a patient to process, express and explore his/her feelings, reactions and thoughts regarding living with a chronic illness. We frequently use the journals with a patient in a way that allows for private writing and drawing time in addition to the opportunities to share in session. We find the journals to be a welcomed addition to our programmatic offerings.”

Jay enjoys Art with Heart’s books as they allow him to share his creativity with staff; and the staff finds that the books allow all their patients the opportunity for mastery and continued development of healthy self esteem, an important part of their continued healing process.

Tags: Books!