Editor's note: Este artículo está traducido al español.
A new space at Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican’s Siena Campus in Henderson is offering pediatric patients and their families a place to briefly escape the circumstances of their stay.
The Panda Cares Center of Hope brings patients — from infants to adolescents — out of their hospital rooms and into a bright, comfortable learning area designed to help them cope with illness through self-expression, play, and arts and crafts, said Katherine Vergos, president and CEO of Dignity Health Las Vegas.
“You walk in, and it’s like this colorful, beautiful, fun environment,” Vergos said. “And it’s meant for the children that are in our hospital, whether they’re in the ED or they’re in the inpatient unit — anywhere — that they can come out of their hospital room to go and play, and feel as normal as possible.”
The center, dedicated earlier this year, is part of a 10-year, $7.8 million commitment to St. Rose Dominican by Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, officials said in a news release.
Panda Cares was founded in 1999 to support underserved youths, focusing on health and education, through food donations, financial resources, volunteer service and disaster relief, said Peggy Cherng, co-founder of Panda Express and co-chair and co-CEO of Panda Restaurant Group.
“The foundation reflects a simple belief shared by my husband, Andrew, and I: Good fortune is best when shared,” Cherng said in an email.
Panda Express associates and guests, through Children’s Miracle Network, have created similar centers across the country, though Vergos said she believes this one is unique.
Siena Hospital provides many levels of pediatric care, she said, from emergency to inpatient to intensive. As a result, the Cherng family was committed to partnering with Dignity Health on the “phenomenal” center, Vergos said.
“With the opening of the Panda Cares Center of Hope at Siena Hospital, we hope to promote healing by supporting a child’s entire well-being, addressing their mental, emotional and physical needs,” Cherng said. “These spaces offer patients the courage and strength they need to heal and grow.”
Through art therapy, therapeutic play and a dedicated library, the center aims to provide comfort and inspiration during a family’s most difficult moments, Cherng said.
Child life specialists will partner with the children for therapeutic interventions, Vergos said, creating a bond and making the space that much more engaging. There’s no other program like this one in the Las Vegas Valley, she said.
The center also houses technology, music and spaces for families to gather. Parts of it look like a classroom, while other areas have video games or coloring for the kids.
Most of the time, pediatric patients are missing school or other activities, and the center helps fill that gap and give them back some control over their environment while they recover, Vergos said.
“It’s really a great environment to promote healing for the patient and their family, and then reduce the stress of the child,” she said. “They can go into the space and it can help them feel like they are living somewhat of a normal life, and help to reduce their stress and anxiety and really continue to help support their development.”
The center is the latest gift from the Cherngs, who maintain a residence in Henderson and who Vergos said have been generous partners.
Since 2007, donations from Panda Express guests and associates in Southern Nevada have raised more than $5.7 million for St. Rose Dominican, Cherng said.
“It is a privilege to see local donations come full circle and transform into a lasting source of comfort, strength and smiles for children and their loved ones,” she said.
The hospital is grateful for Panda Cares and its belief in the work being done to serve the pediatric population in Henderson, Vergos said.
“Our partnership goes beyond raising funds for the Center of Hope,” Cherng said. “Our associates are passionate about giving back, whether by volunteering at the hospital or serving hot meals to patients and their families. It’s about being present, offering comfort and care during life’s most difficult moments.”