A group of doctors collects toys, books to bring joy to pediatric patients

The Women's Physician Group of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and Advocate Children's Hospital-Park Ridge hosted the annual Holiday Toy and Book Drive on Wednesday, Dec. 16. This is the fourth year the Women's Physician Group partnered with the hospital's Child Life Program to organize this fun charitable event.

Thanks to the generous donations from hospital associates, partners and the community, the physicians collected almost $20,000 in donations in just one day.

The team of certified child life specialists, who are specially trained to use play and other forms of communication to help parents and their child positively cope with hospitalization and medical procedures, will use donated toys, books, gift cards, DVDs, and other items not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the year.

"The team of certified child life specialists is committed to meeting the emotional, educational, social and developmental needs of patients from newborn to young adulthood during their hospitalization. Donations will support the child life programs and activities and bring joy, love and laughter to our special patients and their families at Advocate Children's Hospital - Park Ridge," says Dr. Lisa Laurent, Women's Physician Group steering committee chair.

The event was spearheaded by Dr. Kiran Gorla, who specializes in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, Marjorie Getz, Ph.D., learning and behavior specialist, and Linda Bensing, a certified child life specialist, with the help of volunteers and other hospital associates. The organizers are very grateful for all donations and they cannot wait to see all the smiles that the gifts will bring.

The Women's Physician Group was a grass-roots concept borne out of feedback received from many female health care providers searching for a venue to come together to network, lend support to a variety of worthwhile causes, and familiarize one another with other medical professionals. The group, established in 2011, provides a supportive and nurturing environment with opportunities for women to engage in mentoring, community outreach and education, philanthropy and research.

For more information, please call (847) 723-7529.