Pediatrics Wins Big with Starlight Fun Center
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Children facing a stay at Antelope Valley Medical Center now have access to something new: a Starlight Fun Center mobile gaming system. Donated by the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the system includes a Nintendo Wii U with games like Mario Kart 8, Wii Sports and Super Mario Galaxy as well as the ability to watch videos.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight’s programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone.
"The Starlight Fun Center provides a break from the stresses and difficulties a hospital stay creates for our youngest patients," said Maribel White, AV Hospital’s child life assistant. "We appreciate the donation from the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which brightens the day for the children staying in our pediatrics unit."
The gaming system can be enjoyed in the hospital’s playroom or can be maneuvered to a patient’s bedside. Antelope Valley Medical Center is the only facility in the area to have received a Starlight Fun Center.
The only pediatric unit within 50 miles, Antelope Valley Medical Center cares for more than 1,100 patients a year. The unit is staffed by UCLA pediatricians and specially trained nurses 24/7. The hospital also offers the area’s only designated Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics, which sees over 28,000 pediatric patients annually.
Pediatric patient Roque Larios races against Antelope Valley Medical Center Child Life Assistant Maribel White during a round of Mario Kart 8 while using the Starlight Fun Center donated to Antelope Valley Medical Center.
