This past summer we lived every parent's worst nightmare: a sick child. Or as they told us in the emergency room, you have a very sick son. Our son Gavin suffered a spontaneous brain bleed due to a rupture of an undiagnosed congenital arteriovenous malformation in the brain (AVM). He spent two weeks in PICU and was in the hospital the entire month of June. In July, he received rehabilitation therapies as an outpatient while he prepared for his corrective surgery.

In August he went into Children's Hospital of Michigan under the care of Dr. Sandeep Sood (https://www.childrensdmc.org/home) to have the AVM removed. Dr. Sood was able to remove the AVM after two (2) successful surgeries. Gavin's battle and road to full recovery continues as he focuses daily on rehabilitation.

Without Children's Hospital and its dedicated staff, we, Gavin, may be on a different road. The care and talent from Children's Hospital was incredible. A hospital that focuses on children is exactly what our son needed. Children's Hospital of Michigan lives their motto each and everyday: One Focus. One Purpose. Your Child.

My wife and I were so moved by the care we received for our son, we formed Indigo Gives with the mission of helping children and their families during times of illness.

Our inaugural fundraising event kicks off on #givingtuesday December 1, 2020. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for The Children's Foundation (www.yourchildrensfoundation.org). All proceeds will benefit the Child Life Services department.

What is Child Life Services?

In short, Child Life Services works as an integral part of the care team to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization. Certified Child Life Specialists provide evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, preparation and education that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain for infants, children, and youth. Certified Child Life Specialists are educated and trained in the developmental impact of illness and injury. Their role is to help improve patient and family care, satisfaction and overall experience.

Child Life Services provides a variety of services that not only make the child's hospital stay less stressful, the team also offers a number of creative arts therapies that are integral to the patient's recovery including art therapy, music therapy and yoga therapy. For more information on Child Life Services at Children's Hospital of Michigan please visit: https://www.childrensdmc.org/services/child-life-services.