providing information, education and
emotional support to the families of
children with heart disease

"We will never forget the help of other parents who had gone through it all before us….who talked to us, listened to our fears, comforted us and showed us courage and faith by their example."

Cathy & Jeff Cunningham, Urbana, Illinois

 

Your child is receiving the best medical care possible. Who will care for you and your family?

In addition to the social services and pastoral care offered by the Children’s Hospital staff, you can turn to The Organization for Understanding Children’s Hearts (TOUCH).

To find out more about TOUCH or to receive any of the materials listed below, please call (309) 655-2650 or l (800) 443-9898.

TOUCH’s mission is to provide emotional support to you, your child and your entire family. The group brings together parents who have common concerns, feelings and anxieties. We believe that sharing helps us successfully manage the stresses caused by our children’s heart disease.

We also share important information. We learn from one another’s experiences and insights, through our newsletter, the Heartline connnection, a Parents’ Survival Kit and an annual Fall picnic.

Have you just found out that your child has a heart defect? Are you facing the prospect of surgery? Heartline can help. It provides a one-on-one connection with another parent whose child has been through similar experience.

Keeping in TOUCH is a quarterly newsletter which lets us share stories and feelings, provide education and update families on current events at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois. Most importantly, it reminds each of us that we are not alone.

The Parents Survival Kit contains information written or compiled by parents whose children have undergone heart surgery. You’ll find material on congenital heart defects, feeding infants with congenital defects, dental care and special precautions, blood transfusion and much more.

Our Fall Picnic brings together current and former patients and their families---nearly 600 attend each year! It’s a chance to make new friends and renew acquaintances in a peaceful outdoor setting, Wildlife Prairie Park.

You’ll spend the day enjoying train rides, games, clowns, face-painting and skits (often presented by the doctors and nurses). And, of course, there’s always plenty of laughter and smiles---a celebration of healthy hearts!

And Where Will You Stay?

Yes, there is a "home away from home" waiting for you.

Just moments from the Children’s Hospital is Family House. Here you’ll find affordable living accommodations ($15 per night) reserved for out-of-town families whose loved ones are hospitalized nearby.

Originally built as a private residence in l894, the spacious three-story Victorian guest home has 14 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, four kitchens with cooking and dining areas, a family room and laundry facilities. There is also a small apartment with private kitchen and bath.

A free shuttle service eliminates the need for driving or parking on visits to the hospital.

But Family House is more than a place to stay, read, relax or even prepare a home cooked meal. Trained staff and dedicated volunteers are on hand 24 hours a day to offer comfort and security.

To learn more about Family House or to make reservations, please call (309) 685-5300.

Several hotels and motels in the community also offer reduced rate accommodations to families of patients. For more information, please call (309) 655-2321.

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