Gloucester Walmart Supports CHKD!
A huge thank you to Walmart 1759 in Gloucester, Virginia for their generous support of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to their in store fundraising, Walmart 1759 approved a $2,000 donation that will be split 50/50 to help support CHKD’s Child Advocacy Center and Hematology/Oncology support services.
Child Advocacy Center/CSEC Support: Each year CHKD sees an alarming number of children who are victims of child trafficking, both confirmed and high risk. These patients often come to CHKD with only the clothes on their back, which many times need to be taken by investigators. This funding will help to provide these children with a fresh set of clothing, shoes and age appropriate toiletries to help them with a fresh start. 80- 90% of these children are from Hampton Roads and 100% have been a victim of sexual assault at some point. Our specialized team of CSEC specialists work with these kids to advocate for their medical needs and provide case support to help get them the best outcomes. In addition to the trafficking cases our social work team cares for a large number of teenage patients who are in desperate need of support. Often times when the basic needs are met for these children, it helps to change their outcome all together. Funding allows our social work team to purchase items as needed for these children, whether it is a school book for their GED, a fresh set of clothing or a hot meal when they pop in for therapy, support like this can change the outlook for these kids.
Hematology/Oncology Support Services: This past year CHKD cared for 500 children who were either in treatment for cancer or being followed for ongoing care after their treatment ended. Because these children need so much more than just medical care, CHKD offers a host of support services and activities for cancer patients, their siblings and parents that is not reimbursable by insurance. Walmart’s support helps fund events like Survivor Day where we honor our patients, their families and recognize their incredible journey with cancer. Stocks our yellow cabinet with items like coffee, microwavable meals, nuts and bars when families can’t leave the beside. Provides funding for craft supplies, toys and books as well as offers an opportunity for events like sibling day where the siblings of children battling cancer can get a better understanding of what their brother or sister is going through. In addition, these funds help support legacy gifts when a patient passes away, a charm, plant and card. Each year, as many as 70 local families receive the devastating diagnosis that their child has cancer, supporting psychosocial funds for these patients provides comfort for not only them, but their families as well.