Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter Provide Pediatric Patient Education Support to NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital

Since 1954, Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping children. Motivated by the mantra, “Sigma Serves Children,” Tri Sigma and its Foundation has raised more than $2 million to support child life and play therapy programs across the country. Locally, the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and the sorority’s Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter have been passionate supporters of Child Life Services at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Evanston Hospital.

Recognizing that hospitalization can be a frightening experience for young patients, the Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter’s philanthropic efforts have focused on making the hospital stay a positive and familiar experience for children. Their longstanding support has helped transform the Activity Room in the Pediatric Unit at NorthShore Evanston Hospital into an inviting space for young patients and their families. The sorority’s many contributions through the years have ensured the space is filled with age-appropriate toys, puzzles, arts and crafts activities, books, a medical play center, a computer and other offerings which help “normalize” the hospital environment. This year, the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation awarded Child Life Services a grant for an Apple MacBook Pro Laptop.

“The MacBook Pro laptop will enable us to produce and integrate high quality video and audio sequences into our electronic preparation materials which our patients and families will find more engaging and informative,” said Kia Beickert, MS, CCLS, Director of Child Life Services at NorthShore. “We are so grateful to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation for their continued and generous support to Child Life Services. Their grants have allowed us to provide a comprehensive, family-centered environment for our youngest patients.”

“Helping young patients feel more comfortable during their hospital stays and procedures is so important, and the dedication and creativity of Kia and her team are truly impressive. Both the Foundation and our chapter are proud to support their efforts,” said Karin O’Connor, Philanthropy Chair, Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

For more information about Child Life Services at NorthShore Evanston Hospital or ways to support NorthShore University HealthSystem, please call (224) 364-7214 or visit foundation.northshore.org.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, cardiovascular care, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.