Gaming Grants Bring Joy to Young Patients at Charleston’s MUSC Hospital

Exciting News for Charleston Kids: Gaming Grants Bring Joy to Hospital Stays

Charleston, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation recently made a generous donation of $150,000 to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. This donation was made in celebration of National Video Games Day, and it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the impact and joy that video games can bring to young patients facing difficult times.

The Foundation’s Mission

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has a heartwarming mission: to bring simple joys back to kids who are battling hunger or illness. Through activities like video gaming, they aim to help children create positive memories even during challenging hospital stays. As Emilly Bartels, the Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin’, puts it, hospital experiences can be incredibly stressful for children and teenagers. In this light, video gaming serves as a valuable outlet for self-expression, connection, and ultimately, fun.

Connecting Joy Program: What Is It?

This exciting initiative, called the Connecting Joy program, was introduced back in 2021. Its main goal is to help kids and teens in hospitals regain a sense of normalcy through the magic of play and gaming. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, researchers have found that video games can enhance a child’s hospital experience in many ways. They not only provide an enjoyable distraction but also help kids grow their cognitive skills and regain a sense of control in an environment that often feels overwhelming.

A New Role to Help Young Patients

The $150,000 grant from Dunkin’ will help fund a Gaming Technologist position at the Charleston hospital. This cool new role is all about delivering therapeutic play experiences through video games and other technologies. This means that kids will have access to socialization opportunities, pain management strategies, and even procedural support—all with a techy twist! The presence of a Gaming Technologist can tremendously benefit young patients by injecting elements of normalcy into their hospital experiences.

The Power of Play

The power of play isn’t something that should be underestimated. For kids in hospital settings, video games offer an outlet that eases stress and anxiety. They provide a form of escape where young patients can dive into exciting worlds, taking their minds off their health challenges for a while. In the process, gaming contributes to mental and physical well-being, showcasing its role as a vital part of the healing journey.

Looking Ahead

As Charleston continues to stand together for its youngest citizens, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital will work hand in hand, bringing the joy of gaming into every young patient’s room. This partnership symbolizes hope and cheer in a setting that often feels dark and isolating. At the end of the day, the goal is simple yet powerful: to remind children that even amid tough times, happiness, creativity, and connection can still flourish.

So, if you hear the joyful sounds of video games echoing through the halls of the hospital, know that there’s a little more brightness shining down on Charleston’s brave young heroes.