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Wednesday, April 19, 2006

UMC Officially Opens State-of-the-Art Playroom for Las Vegas’ Littlest Patients

Rising Pop Star Kristy Frank to Deliver Special Performance During Playroom Dedication

On April 24, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) will unveil a new Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund-Starlight Site, a state-of-the-art playroom created in partnership with the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. The unveiling is part of a $7 million, multi-year donation made by the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund to the Foundation for the construction and renovation of kids’ playrooms in hospitals across the country. The Starlight Site at UMC is the first of its kind in Nevada.

“Toys “R” Us and the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund are committed to improving the quality of life for children,” said Mike Goldstein, Chairman of the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund, Inc. “And through this playroom, we hope to bring much-needed joy and play time to pediatric patients at UMC.”

As part of the site unveiling, rising pop sensation Kristy Frank, a member of Starlight Starbright's StarPower program, will perform several songs from her soon-to-be-released debut CD, Freedom, on Ruffnation/Universal Records. Just 15 years old, Kristy has already been featured on the soundtrack to “Darcy’s Wild Life” and is regularly heard on Radio Disney. As a member of StarPower, she commits her time, energy and celebrity status on behalf of seriously ill children and their families.

With shooting stars across the ceiling, interactive games and play areas for infants, toddlers and older children, the specially designed Starlight Site will serve as a safe, relaxing space where UMC’s child life specialists are able to treat pediatric patients utilizing dolls, books, and activities to explain medical and surgical procedures. Playroom amenities include a computer system with flat screen monitor, a bubble machine with color changing light filter, activity tables, mobile toy bins and new toys purchased with an annual $1,000 gift card from Toys “R” Us.

The site will be dedicated with the assistance of pediatric patients at UMC and their families. Additional attendees at the dedication will include local Toys “R” Us representatives, members of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation and UMC Chief Executive Officer Lacy Thomas, child life specialists, and pediatric staff. The unveiling will occur at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the UMC Trauma and Children’s Center building.

“We are very thankful and honored to have such a wonderful partnership with the Starlight Starbright Foundation. This innovative playroom will help make our pediatric patients more relaxed and comfortable before and after medical procedures,” said Shannon Giejda, UMC Child Life Specialist.

In Support of a Growing Trend
The Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund-Starlight Starbright partnership is an example of a movement in hospital care as hospitals are addressing patients’ needs by teaming up with the private sector. In addition, the playroom program addresses the burgeoning, nationwide hospital trend of looking at a patient’s environment as an important factor in the healing process.

“For children confined to a hospital, the opportunity to have fun in a well-equipped, inviting atmosphere assists in the healing process,” said Jane Van Stedum, vice president of program services for Starlight Starbright. “While play experiences are valuable in their own right, they also provide children an opportunity to express their feelings, release stress and learn new skills. Our partnership with Toys “R” Us allows us to enhance the quality of our site program and bring countless hours of therapeutic fun to the children who need it most.”

About Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation
Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is a non-profit organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of community, and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness. Starlight Starbright offers an impressive array of in-hospital, outpatient, school and home-based programs and services that touch the lives of more than 180,000 children and families each month. The New England Chapter of Starlight Starbright serves in 63 local hospitals and reaches more than 100,000 children every year. To learn more about the organization, visit www.starlight.org.

About Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund
Since it was founded in 1992, The Toys "R" Us Children's Fund, Inc. has donated millions of dollars each year to organizations and charities that support the health and welfare of children. Because children are the heart and soul of its business, the Toys “R” Us family has a strong sense of responsibility to do whatever they can to make the lives of children happier and healthier. Funds raised through the Toys “R” Us Children's Fund are used to support the Toys “R” Us–Starlight Site Playroom Program and other children's causes.

About University Medical Center
UMC is the only public, non-profit hospital in Clark County and operates the state’s only Burn Care Center and Level I Trauma Center as well as several Care Centers. UMC is affiliated with the University of Nevada School of Medicine and serves as the state's major clinical campus. Through its affiliation with the School of Medicine, residency programs in internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, family practice, general surgery and pediatrics are offered at UMC. Since 1931, UMC has been providing comprehensive medical care to all in its role as the community’s safety net provider. Visit www.umcsn.com for more information.

Contact Information:
Kristina Zemaitis , Public Relations Specialist
(702) 383-2090
kristina.zemaitis@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102