Hi!

I hope you will join our team for this year's Race for Every Child! We are raising money to support the whole health and well-being of children who receive care at Children's National Hospital. We believe so much in the importance of caring for patients' physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being. We have seen and providers and other parents have confirmed that this whole health approach makes a huge difference.

Funds you and others contribute to our Race team this year will increase the amount and range of whole health care services that children and their caregivers can receive in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Heart & Kidney Unit. 

For example, together, we will support the new and multi-disciplinary Family Support Team that's working to improve patient and family experience. Activities include providing family meals, standardizing the care of postpartum mothers (e.g., psychological screening and support), and launching a neonatal massage study and program. We're working in collaboration with the staff to ensure our support is needs-driven and impact-focused.

These care approaches reduce stress, improve patient outcomes, and enhance caregiver capacities. We know from personal experience and that of countless families and providers that it's critical to provide a whole health approach to care that's patient- and family-centered.

Please join and/or donate to our team! If you can't participate in person, a donation of any amount matters and we'll know you're there with us on Race Day!

We also know Eli is with us every step of the way. Organizing this team is part of the mission of Eliana's Light, which we formed in Eli's loving memory to support the whole health, well-being and quality of life of local families that include children who have complex medical conditions. 

We hope you can join us in this effort! 

Thank you for your consideration, and please email me if you have any questions (info@elianaslight.org).

With much appreciation,

Whitney Ortiz