Cook County Health’s Stroger Hospital has been awarded a $10,000 grant from The Toy Foundation’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants Program.

The Toy Foundation awarded 37 projects at hospitals across the nation, recognizing programs that highlighted the importance of play in pediatric care, particularly those in underserved communities.

In 2025, Stroger Hospital cared for more than 9,200 children across in its emergency department, pediatric ICU and inpatient and observation units.

“Stroger Hospital has long served some of the area’s most vulnerable children,” said Donnica Austin-Cathey, Chief Hospital Executive, Stroger Hospital. “We are grateful to The Toy Foundation for supporting our mission and helping bring joy to our young patients.”

Ruthie Charendoff, Certified Child Life Specialist for Stroger’s pediatric emergency and trauma departments, said the grant will be used to fund toys and therapeutic books for patients through the hospital’s PlayForward initiative.

PlayForward supports child development by promoting emotional well-being, strengthening coping strategies, and encouraging positive growth in and out of the hospital. The program helps children meet developmental milestones through play while equipping families with the tools to continue that support at home. 

Through PlayForward, the Child Life team provides education about medical procedures, teaches relaxation techniques, and creates personalized coping kits. Age-appropriate toys and toolkits are used in one-on-one sessions to help children prepare for procedures, process new diagnoses, and reenact medical experiences.

“We are grateful to the Toy Foundation for their support,” said Dr. Mopelola Akintorin, Chair of Pediatrics at Cook County Health. “While medical teams focus on treating illnesses, resources like these can improve a child’s emotional well-being and support recovery. Research continues to show the important role that play has in healing.”

“Being in the hospital can be scary and frustrating for children,” Ms. Charendoff said.  “Through PlayForward, we aim to not only support children’s developmental milestones during their hospital stay but also to give families the tools and knowledge to continue that process at home.”

The Toy Foundation’s Play Fund program is the only industry-wide funding initiative that brings the power of play to hospitals. Uniting the philanthropy of toy companies enables The Toy Foundation to fund a variety of projects, from sensory-friendly play areas to themed arts and crafts activities, and innovative play equipment that is inclusive for patients of all abilities. As a result, children are more likely to feel a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar environment, develop positive behaviors and attitudes, and build stronger coping skills.

“The Toy Foundation’s mission is to bring the power of play to children who need it most. By growing the Play Fund, we’re delivering more than play; we’re delivering comfort, joy, and hope to children throughout their medical journeys,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of TTF. “We are deeply grateful for every donation that allows us to fund more play projects.”

Cook County Health continues to expand efforts to support its youngest patients. Stroger Hospital recently reopened a renovated inpatient pediatric playroom, and launched a storytelling program that allows for staff to record short stories for children to listen to during their hospital stay.