Hey there, and welcome to Beyond the Hospital Walls—the show where we explore the heart of healthcare and the power of human connection.
Hey there, and welcome to Beyond the Hospital Walls—the show where we explore the heart of healthcare and the power of human connection. I’m your host, Jenny, and today, we’re diving into something that often gets overlooked in conversations about medicine: how a hospital becomes more than a place for treatment. How it becomes... part of the community.
We’re shining the spotlight on Connecticut Children’s Medical Center —an organization that’s redefining what it means to care. Their approach goes far beyond checkups and surgeries. It’s about trust, relationships, and turning healthcare into a shared mission of hope.
Let’s break down how they do it.
First up -bringing specialists to the people.
Now, in most hospitals, you might imagine specialists tucked away in offices, buried in paperwork or consultations. But at Connecticut Children’s? The doctors step out.
They meet families face-to-face. They attend public events. They answer questions. And most importantly, they listen. These events aren’t just PR—they’re real conversations where parents get insight into the treatments their children are receiving and meet the professionals behind those decisions.
And that changes everything. When parents know the faces and voices behind their child’s care, trust grows. Fear fades. A bond forms. That’s not just medicine—that’s human connection.
Next - creating moments of discovery.
Imagine walking through a children’s hospital. Not because you have to, but because you want to understand what happens there. Connecticut Children’s opens its doors for guided tours—not to showcase shiny equipment—but to tell a story.
Visitors meet the team. They hear real stories. They witness the care, the mission, the heartbeat behind the hospital. And suddenly, this isn’t just a building. It’s a cause worth standing behind.
Advocates like Andi Sklar make sure these tours don’t just inform—they inspire. People walk in curious... and walk out committed.
Of course, community connection isn’t just about tours and talks. It’s also about celebration—and events with purpose.
Take their “Champions for Children” breakfast, for example. It’s not just a meal—it’s a moment. Doctors, researchers, and staff come together with local supporters to share updates, stories, and even medical breakthroughs.
These events break down big, complicated topics—like childhood disease and pediatric research—into stories people can relate to. And by the time guests leave, they’re not just informed... they’re inspired.
These breakfasts turn attendees into advocates. Into allies.
Now, here’s something powerful—stories that create movement.
Connecticut Children’s doesn’t just raise money. They tell stories about the people who make the mission possible. Donors like the Connoly and Roth families, or visionaries like Cheryl Chase, aren’t just thanked behind closed doors—they’re celebrated publicly.
Because when people see the real-world impact of giving? When they understand the why behind the support? It’s no longer about writing a check. It’s about joining something bigger than yourself.
Those stories inspire others. They build emotional connection. And that’s what turns one-time donors into lifelong partners.
So what can we take away from all this?
Connecticut Children’s has built something special. They’ve turned a hospital into a hub of hope—where care doesn’t stop at the clinic doors. It spills out into neighborhoods, homes, and hearts.
They host. They listen. They open their doors and their stories. And in doing so, they’re building something far more powerful than a medical facility. They’re building community.
That’s it for today’s episode. If you were moved by what you heard, consider sharing this with a friend or leaving us a review. Let’s keep spreading the message of connection and care.
Until next time—stay well, stay inspired, and never underestimate the power of human connection.