IHOP helps make children’s hospitals a not-so-scary place

IHOP served spooky face pumpkin pancakes as tasty treats and decorated with bright yellow balloons this October to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. During the month-long fall campaign, IHOP restaurants raised $105,703.50 for eight children’s hospitals across the state of Florida. Raising more than $16,000 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, IHOP also teamed up with our Child Life Specialists to make our hospital a not-so-scary place for children and families.

Sunshine Restaurant Partners IHOP (a partner of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals) hosted a “Scary Face Pancake Party” for our pediatric patients on October 18. IHOP Gainesville helped spark creativity among patients by providing delicious decorations to make their own spooky face pumpkin pancakes. Patients with food restrictions were treated with hands-on activities, such as sand art crafts.

When a pediatric patient arrives at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital they may feel frightened and overwhelmed. From the first day of admission to the last day of hospitalization, Child Life Specialists develop supportive relationships with patients and families to make the hospital a not-so-scary place.

As certified health care professionals, Child Life Specialists are able to meet each child at his or her developmental level to explain diagnoses, preparations and procedures. Child Life Specialists also provide curated activities that promote coping and expression of feelings. Funds raised by partners of CMN Hospitals help fund programs like UF Health Child Life.

Thank you IHOP for helping us raise funds to help us change kids’ health and change the future.