Tina Allen Liddle Kidz® Foundation recently had the honor of presenting the Certified Pediatric Massage Therapy course at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the Pediatric Palliative Oncology Symposium (PPOS). The PPOS event is part of the Global Academy Scholar Program, bringing together experts worldwide to discuss best practices and innovations in palliative care for children with serious illnesses. Liddle Kidz® Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, providing training and support to healthcare professionals who want to bring pediatric massage therapy to their communities.
At the special closing event, Ms. Allen shared her experience and expert knowledge about her organization’s important work in supporting children and families facing life-threatening conditions. She presented pediatric massage therapy as an innovative and non-invasive approach for children facing serious illnesses.
Included in the presentation were evidence-informed approaches, techniques, and the many benefits of massage therapy for children, including reducing pain and anxiety, improving sleep, and promoting overall comfort and relaxation. She also discussed the importance of providing support and comfort to families who often feel overwhelmed and stressed during these difficult times.
But the benefits of pediatric massage therapy extend far beyond the physical. Touch therapy can provide a sense of comfort and connection for children and their families during a time when they need it the most. It can also help families feel empowered and involved in their child’s care, which is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook during such a difficult time.
That’s why it’s so essential that touch therapy is included in the comprehensive tool-kits of global healthcare scholars. Pediatric massage therapy is a simple yet powerful tool that can make a real difference in the lives of children and families facing serious illnesses. By bringing this therapy to the forefront of palliative care, we can help ensure that every child and family facing serious illness receives the support and comfort they need.
The symposium provided an opportunity to connect with other healthcare professionals and learn about new advancements and approaches to palliative care. It was inspiring to see so many dedicated providers working together to positively impact the lives of children and families facing serious illnesses.
The PPOS Symposium at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was the perfect event for Liddle Kidz® Foundation to showcase their vital work and connect with other experts in the field. The foundation remains dedicated to providing comfort, support, and healing to children and families facing serious illness.
Tina Allen’s presentation at the Pediatric Palliative Oncology Symposium was a memorable experience for everyone involved, as she added a special moment for the global delegation by sharing the story of Sadako Sasaki. Sadako was a young girl exposed to radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II and developed Leukemia. Despite her illness, Sadako folded over a thousand origami cranes in the hope of making a wish for peace and good health.
Tina invited special guest, Maika Yamaoka, of Tokyo, who was dressed in an ornate kimono and presented the beautiful culture of Japan. Tina honored the children she and the global delegation work with and the care they provide by giving each delegate a folded origami crane. This gesture was a reminder of their dedication to families and their commitment to providing the best possible care to children facing serious illnesses.
The origami cranes, a symbol of hope and peace, were a touching tribute to the children and families the global scholar delegation serves. The presentation moved each delegate, and many expressed how the cranes would remind them of their dedication to families and their commitment to providing the best possible care to children facing serious illnesses.
The presentation at the St. Jude Symposium was a powerful reminder of the importance of touch therapy in palliative care and the positive impact that pediatric massage therapy can have on children and their families. By sharing the story of Sadako Sasaki and presenting each delegate with an origami crane, a unique touch was added to the symposium and left a lasting impression on the international scholar delegation.
Tina Allen is proud to be a part of this global effort to provide the best possible care and support to children facing serious illnesses. The Liddle Kidz® Foundation will continue to dedicate their work to bring pediatric massage therapy to children and families in need and to raise awareness about the benefits of this essential and beneficial healthcare intervention.
