Thank you, Topeka Lions Foundation!

Thank you, Topeka Lions Foundation!

The Kansas Children's Discovery Center received a generous donation from Topeka Lions Foundation this week in support of our Medical Warriors program!

Medical Warriors is a free program designed to allow medically fragile children or those battling life-limiting illnesses to come to the museum after-hours for a private play time. Children experience high-quality, hands-on learning experiences with their families, while avoiding the crowds that exist while the museum is open. The program started in 2016, inspired by Rachel Howland, a 6-year-old girl with neuroblastoma, pictured above.

A child with no hair due to a medical condition plays with a pretend cake in the cafe exhibit

Every child deserves rich and diverse museum experiences. Play is particularly important for children who have experienced challenges. Medically fragile children cannot play when the museum is open for a number of reasons. Many Medical Warriors have compromised immune systems. For these children, exposure to a simple cold virus poses significant danger. Their doctors usually recommend isolation from public places to prevent potentially deadly illness. Many Medical Warriors only see their homes and doctor’s offices, limited from the trips to playgrounds, parks, libraries, and other places that fill the days of childhood with play and wonder.

Child painting at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center

Medical Warriors is provided at no cost to families thanks to generous support from individuals and businesses. Thank you, Topeka Lions Foundation, for supporting play access for every child.