Grandparents fund Grandparents know that fostering a world of love and support can be one of the most successful forms of healing for a sick grandchild. While grandparents have always provided compassionate care inside and outside of medical settings, there is now an opportunity for CHOP grandparents to band together through philanthropy.

The Grandparents Fund was established in 2015 to benefit CHOP’s Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department. This program helps children better cope with their hospitalizations through a variety of services including art, music and play therapy in CHOP playrooms and at the bedside. These unique services rely exclusively on philanthropy because they are not reimbursable by insurance.

The Grandparents Fund makes a tremendous impact on children’s lives by helping CHOP continue to provide vital Child Life services. The Child Life Department was founded in 1951 and is the most comprehensive program of its kind in the nation, with more than 50 specially trained staff who use activities such as medical play and diagnosis education to meet the unique needs of children and families. A gift to the Grandparents Fund is a wonderful way to show appreciation for CHOP’s care.

“My granddaughter Caitlyn has a metabolic disorder,” says Mary Melvin, a grateful grandparent. “CHOP saved her life two years ago and continues to provide wonderful care and support to her and her family.”

Grandparents have always been an important component of patient care, and now their philanthropy can have collective impact as well. 

To make a gift to the Grandparents Fund, visit chop.edu/grandparents