Yesterday was a day of warmth and comfort as CBOL founder Barbara Marchioni, accompanied by her husband, Vic, delivered 150 cozy blankets to the children at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Greeted by an enthusiastic team of social workers, nurses, and lead physicians, Barbara and Vic experienced first-hand the genuine excitement and gratitude of the hospital staff, who were eager to help unload boxes filled with soft, comforting blankets. These blankets, though simple in nature, are often a significant source of support for children and families navigating difficult moments.
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital is a recent addition to the Atrium Health Hospital Complex, with a pediatric department dedicated to caring for children from newborns to 18-year-olds. The hospital’s Pediatric Palliative Care Team is committed to offering the most compassionate support possible to children with severe illnesses. Megan Lewandowskie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker on the Pediatric Advanced Care Team, spoke about the hospital’s holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of comfort and quality of life for their young patients and families.
She shared, “Our Pediatric Palliative Care Team at Atrium Health-Levine Children’s Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate support to children with serious illnesses and their families during challenging hospitalizations. This interdisciplinary team collaborates to meet each child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, focusing on improving quality of life through symptom management and emotional support, especially at end of life. To enhance this holistic care, we are implementing a Comfort Cart stocked with thoughtful items designed to make hospital rooms feel more like home, including cozy blankets generously donated through Children’s Blankets of Love. Our goal is to create a caring environment where families can find comfort, dignity, and peace during their difficult journey.”
The Comfort Cart program is a reflection of the hospital’s dedication to its patients and the families facing significant challenges. Knowing that these blankets will be part of this program is especially meaningful for the team at CBOL. The bereavement clinical worker shared a poignant reminder that these blankets, often one of the last comforts some children receive, play a crucial role in the hospital’s compassionate care efforts.
Get Involved with Children’s Blankets of Love
The blanket delivery to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital marks another chapter in CBOL’s mission to bring warmth, comfort, and love to children who need it most. If you’re inspired to make a difference, consider organizing a blanket drive within your community. Each donation brings a bit of home to a child in the hospital, and together, we can spread comfort to even more families navigating difficult journeys.
Join us in our mission—learn how to start a blanket drive or donate directly on our website. Your support goes a long way in helping us reach more children and provide the comfort they deserve.
