DONATIONS AT WORK HIGHLIGHTS 2024/25
Therapeutic Arts: Creativity meets care
Over the last year, therapeutic arts programming at the Alberta Children’s Hospital has continued to flourish, offering patients and families moments of healing, joy, and connection in the midst of medical challenges.
Art therapy
Last year, ten-year-old Zaidee’s life changed suddenly when she was diagnosed with NMDA receptor encephalitis — a rare autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing confusion, seizures, memory loss and the loss of ability to walk, talk and eat.
A seven-week-long journey at the Alberta Children’s Hospital filled with treatment got Zaidee to a more stable place. After some time in intensive care, she was moved to an inpatient unit, where she took her first steps toward recovery and she was able to begin art therapy.
While in the hospital, Zaidee struggled with being away from routine, school and friends and she was faced with a long road of rehabilitation. Zaidee’s mom, Rhea, says she has always loved drawing and during her time in hospital, art therapy gave her the tools she needed to cope with those feelings.
“Art therapy gave her hope and joy. It was something to look forward to and a welcome break from the hospital routine.”
— Rhea, Zaidee’s mom
Art therapy also gave her family a way to see just how fast Zaidee was recovering. Rhea says comparing Zaidee’s first art therapy drawing to her third showed just how dramatically her health was improving.
Last year, 2,310 youth, just like Zaidee, participated in art therapy at the hospital. This special program gives young patients a chance to escape some of the stress of treatment and just be kids again. Rhea is so thankful for all the generous community support from people like you, which made this programming available when Zaidee needed it.
Today, Zaidee has returned to her bright, happy self.
“You have had such a positive impact on families just like ours,” Rhea says.
By the numbers
2,310
youth participated in art therapy
1,993
youth participated in music therapy
1,258
youth participated in horticultural therapy
Music therapy
Last year, 1,993 youth participated in music therapy, allowing them to express themselves, reduce stress and feel more at ease during their time in care.
In addition to one-on-one sessions, the music therapy team performs live uplifting music for patients, families and staff in common areas when capacity allows. This kind of environmental music is known to have a healing effect across the hospital.
“As a mom, it means everything to have a place where both of my children not only receive the medical care they need, but also have music therapy to lift their spirits. It gives them moments of joy and normalcy in the middle of hospital life, and that’s a gift I’ll always be grateful for.”
— Jessica, Nixon’s mom
Horticultural therapy
For some patients, being outdoors — helping tend to the hospital’s gardens and doing nature-related crafts and activities — can help ease physical pain and emotional stress, while also offering chances to build practical skills and learn in new ways.
Last year, 1,258 youth participated in horticultural therapy at the hospital. Additionally, the Alberta Children’s Hospital horticultural therapist oversees the healing gardens, including the Garden of Wishes, Friendship Garden, and helps with maintenance of the new Indigenous Healing Garden.
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