Chase Child Life Program Dedicated at UCLA Hospital

When Susan and Robin Richards' son Chase was just past his second birthday, he passed away from cancer. But "in death, he has done more for humankind," Robin Richards said Monday about the latest example of the impact Chase has had.

The Richards were present at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital for the dedication of the Chase Child Life program, renamed in honor of a $2.125 million gift from The Chase Foundation.

The program aims to promote effective coping through play, preparation, education and self-expression activities. Facilities at the hospital are geared to children of all ages, from preschoolers to teens.

On hand in addition to the Richards and their daughters were Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, City Controller Wendy Greuel, UCLA Health System CEO Dr. David Feinberg, Mattel Children's Hospital physician-in-chief Dr. Sherin Devaskar, and program director Amy Bullock.

"It's a great privilege to celebrate taking our program to the next level," Feinberg said.

Greuel said she is especially fond of the "No Whitecoats Zone" sign signaling to kids that the space is all theirs; no doctors allowed.

"When you see so many people helping to save lives, you realize how important it is to give back," she said.

"This is a wonderful beginning," Robin Richards said. "Child Life programs are a critical part of the healing process. UCLA knows that as well as anyone in the country."

In addition to funding existing and new programs for 20 years, the Chase Foundation also gave $50,000 to fund a new outdoor garden featuring "clean dirt" for the young patients.

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