During a time when pediatric patients are staying safe and distant from one another, the news of a generous $35,000 donation from local cancer foundation, Hope Hits Harder, reminds us that a return to normal interaction is on the horizon. In preparation for the day children and families are able to come together again, Methodist Children’s Hospital will match the non-profit’s donation to build an immersive fantasy forest-themed environment in partnership with The DoSeum, San Antonio’s museum for kids. The DoSeum’s Design Studios, a branch of the museum that brings active learning and inquiry-based exhibitions to national and international organizations, developed the STEM-focused exhibit.
“We are blessed to be able to provide for our local hospitals, including Methodist Children’s Hospital,” said Tom “TBone” Bounds, Founder and President, Hope Hits Harder. “We are happy to be able to do this. We know, most importantly, everything that we do is for the children and that is our goal, to take care of the kids.”
At Methodist Children’s Hospital, it is important children have as many outlets available to them as possible to promote a healthy healing environment. The fantasy forest will inspire, heal, and educate our youth. “Our job here is not to just heal the body, but to give peace of mind and heal the spirit,” said Court LeMaistre, Chief Executive Officer, Methodist Children’s Hospital. “This space will allow children and families to take a break and have fun together. I think this will really help heal spirits as children go through the difficult time of being in a hospital.”
Hope Hits Harder has been a long-time supporter of Methodist Children’s Hospital. The organization has reached more than 2,000 pediatric patients at the hospital through its hosting of themed parties, providing hope bags for childhood cancer patients, donating an interactive gaming station, and much more.
Children will be transported out of the day to day through an immersive enchanted entrance to the forest. The space will allow children and families to search for fairies who call the forest home. The children will be inspired to move around and interact while constructing their own fairy houses and forts. An interactive shadow show section will inspire patients to create their own fantasy forest narrative through shadow play and storytelling. The exhibit’s audio and visual features will be available in English and Spanish. The forest will be located on the second floor of the hospital and construction will begin this year.
