Donation-based program supports kids, families

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Child Life specialists at Sanford Children’s Hospital play a big role in supporting not only patients, but their families, too.

Kayden Hammond and his family knew the challenge of being in and out of hospital care.

“Kayden was diagnosed in January of ’22 with T-cell leukemia. We spent January through September kind of in and out of the castle clinic doing treatment and some outpatient PICU,” Kayden’s mom Alicia Hammond said.

But the Child Life program made their experience a little easier. The program is a group of specialists who support children and their families throughout medical treatments. They explain procedures and offer emotional guidance, all at no cost.

“Whether it was just some support with explaining what procedure was going to be happening or if it was distraction by talking about football teams or banter about football teams,” Hammond said. “They just do so much.”

Specialists are trained to work with children and families of all ages.

“They’re vulnerable and they are scared and anxiety-filled, and that fear takes over and we get to meet them right where they’re at,” Sanford Child Life Specialist Wendy Jensen said.

The team walked alongside Kayden and his family for nearly ten months. In October 2022, Kayden was hospitalized after contracting West Nile.

“With an immune compromised system, he just couldn’t fight that off,” Hammond said.

Kayden passed away at just 16 years old.

“He loved hard. He definitely was a lover of all people and things and liked to do as many things as possible,” Hammond said.

Now, Kayden’s family honors his life by visiting his Child Life specialists in Sioux Falls.

“This year we’re just bringing a bunch of bags full of treats and snacks. They work really hard, and they do a lot of great things here,” Hammond said.

“It does continue to motivate us to continue to help the next family because unfortunately, there will continue to be families that we need to continue to be strong for and help and continue to help them walk that journey while they’re here at the castle,” Jensen said.