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Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the country, is a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic and volunteer support of our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a million patient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac, neonatal, orthopedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatric specialties.

Friends, the community volunteer organization of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, supports many initiatives that touch the lives of children and their families. Through many fundraising events, we raise much-needed funds to help ensure the health and well-being of children. Children’s, a not-for-profit organization, relies on the generous support of our community, and Friends is a large part of that outreach.

Proceeds from the 2006-2007 Friends fundraising year will benefit the following areas:

The Children’s Response Team: In 2005, the Children’s Response team completed more than 5,165 pediatric transports, making it the busiest pediatric critical care transport team in the nation. An elite team of physicians, nurses, respiratory care professionals and paramedics brings the Children’s expertise to the patient, before the patient gets to Children’s. Traveling more than 10,000 miles each month, emergency transport units need to be replaced every few years.

The Friends Research Fund: Supporting pediatric physicians’ leading-edge clinical research projects, the Friends Research Fund has helped to fund more than 30 research studies in areas such as critical care, cardiology and cancer. Children’s collaborates with Emory University School of Medicine, the Georgia Institute of Technology and other academic institutions in more than 400 research studies, including 65 multi-site clinical trials in more than 30 medical specialties.

Equipment: Weighing only 12 pounds, the LTV 1000 is a portable yet powerful ventilator, which has extensive patient monitoring capabilities, and is designed for optimum comfort and care—allowing a child to lead a more normal life. These lifesaving ventilators are also used throughout the hospitals, especially in the Emergency Departments and Intensive Care Units, as well as in the Children’s Response vehicles.

The Family Support Team: Understanding that a child’s recovery revolves around family-centered care, the Family Support Team of the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helps families identify available resources during a difficult time. Each year, the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 300 new cancer patients and 1,500 patients with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. Child life specialists, social workers, chaplains, teachers, psychologists and financial coordinators ensure the emotional, physical and financial well-being of patients and families.

Chaplaincy: The Chaplaincy program provides spiritual support and guidance to patients and families as they seek healing, meaning and hope through the experience of illness or recovery from injury.

The Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit®: Delivering giggles and grins to patients and their families, these clowns take “kidding around” to a whole new level. Since 2000, the specially trained performers have been brightening patients’ visits at Children’s three days a week.

You can make a world of difference in the lives of children and their families. Visit www.choa.org/friends or call 404-250-KIDS to learn more about the many opportunities throughout the year for you to support Friends and Children’s. Children need Children’s and Children’s needs You®!