Mission Trip in China!!!!!!!

Hello All!

For those who may be reading this and don't know me, my name is NyJah Walters. I am a first-year Child Life Masters student in the School of Behavioral Health at Loma Linda University! My cohort and I are fundraising to go to China at the end of August 2018. We will be there from August 27-Sept 4. Our mission is to bring child life services to The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Beijing.The goal is to expand the profession of Child Life, not just in the U.S., but worldwide. What do child life specialists do you ask? Child life specialists work in a wide range of settings, however, most work in children’s hospitals. They help children cope with the fear and anxiety of being in the hospital through play, education, and preparation on what to expect for their diagnosis, illness, surgery, and/or procedure. They do this in a way that is developmentally appropriate for each child. They also work closely with the patients’ families, as well as the medical team in the hospital to provide optimal care for the kiddos that come on the unit. I love Child Life because I love working with and helping children, especially the medically fragile ones. Hospitals are scary places, even for adults, so imagine a 3 or even 13-year-old trying to cope.

At the children's hospital, we plan to provide lectures, teddy bear clinics, art activities and promoting the field of Child Life. Currently, they only have one certified child life specialist (CCLS) in mainland China (not including Hong Kong). In the last 5 years, our Loma Linda University group has assisted them in opening 5 playrooms for the pediatric kiddos.

In order to go, I have to raise a total of $1,700 by July! I am not one that likes to ask for money, but this is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity, especially for this price, that I cannot miss out on! I am passionate about helping children in need and I am passionate about my profession. I am asking that you all help me reach my goal. If not, that is okay too! Your prayers and support are just as important. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask!

Thank you so much!