We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Liddle Kidz® Foundation Pediatric Massage and Touch Therapy Program at Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital!
This groundbreaking program brings compassionate, evidence-informed touch therapy into pediatric care, helping children and families find comfort, connection, and support through every stage of healing.
A Vision Realized
Earlier this year, we proudly announced our collaboration with Stanford Medicine, the palliative care program at Stanford Medicine, the Quality of Life for All (QoLA) Program and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital to develop a sustainable, hospital-based touch therapy model rooted in science and delivered with empathy. Since then, more than 75 healthcare professionals, including oncologists, palliative care specialists, nurses, physicians, child life specialists, integrative medicine practitioners, reserachers and massage therapists, have completed our intensive training and certification.
And now, this Spring, we’re excited to share that the newest area to launch the program is the Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, bringing the benefits of touch therapy to children receiving oncology and palliative care.
Advancing Support in Oncology & Palliative Care
At the Bass Center, certified providers are now offering touch therapy sessions to children navigating complex medical journeys. These sessions, lasting 5 to 30 minutes, are safe, developmentally appropriate, and adapted to meet each child’s individual needs.
Benefits include:
✔️ Easing pain and physical discomfort
✔️ Reducing anxiety, insomnia, and GI symptoms
✔️ Supporting emotional regulation and nervous system balance
✔️ Minimizing sedation use when appropriate
✔️ Encouraging caregiver participation in daily care
✔️ Fostering a more positive and healing hospital environment
All care is provided under thorough daily assessments and in close coordination with each child’s care team.
A Model Built on Evidence and Heart
Led by Tina Allen, Founder and Director of the Liddle Kidz® Foundation, this program was developed in collaboration with Stanford’s interdisciplinary leadership to ensure it fits seamlessly into clinical care while upholding the highest standards of safety, science, and compassion.
“When touch therapy is guided by both evidence and empathy, it becomes more than a technique, it becomes a transformative part of pediatric healthcare,” says Tina Allen.
Implementation continues with strong staff engagement, including Grand Rounds presentations, unit-based meetings, and live demonstrations. Certified team members are proudly wearing their CPMT® badges, serving as leaders in this hospital-wide initiative.
Setting a New Standard in Pediatric Care
By bringing touch therapy to both oncology and palliative care, Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital are leading the way in integrative, child-centered care. This program stands as a powerful example of what happens when science, empathy, and innovation come together in support of our most vulnerable patients.
We are deeply honored to support this visionary team, and excited to see the lasting, meaningful difference they will make for children and families.
To learn more about our global hospital-based massage and touch therapy programs, visit: www.LiddleKidz.org
