The “Pelican Krewe” is an interdisciplinary pediatric palliative care (PPC) team at Children’s Hospital New Orleans composed of doctors, nurses, social workers, integrative therapists, child life specialists, and spiritual care experts, providing an extra layer of support for children living with serious illness and their families. PPC starts at any age and at any stage of illness, promoting healing, comfort, and optimization of quality of life.

Our unique pediatric palliative care team is thought to have a sorrowful job as we care for children with serious illness and their families.  However, that is not how we see it. We have the honor to bear witness to incredible stories of love, strength, and perseverance; additionally, one of the best parts of our jobs is figuring out what FUN may look like for each unique family—making each day the best day possible. 

The Pelican Fund, which is philanthropically supported, provides us the flexibility for our team to think creatively on how to best support families receiving palliative care. It also helps with professional development for the palliative care team members and other supplies that helps our team provide the best care possible.  

SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW OUR PELICAN FUND HAS SUPPORTED FAMILIES:

• Throw birthday or holiday parties for our patients when they are stuck in the hospital—celebrating special moments. 

• Special toys for patients and siblings to make the hospital feel as comfortable as possible.

• Encourage families to feel as “normal” as possible by promoting sibling and family resiliency and bonding through “fun activities” outside the hospital such as zoo and aquarium trips or family dinners at local restaurants—we always try to remember the entire family in addition to our patients.

• Fans, egg crate mattresses, special requests that are sure to elicit smiles from all around to make the hospital as comfortable as possible

• Print and laminate photographs to place within the patient’s room to remind them of home.  These photographs also help staff get a glimpse into the patients’ stories, specifically encouraging staff to bear witness to how much fun they may have when they are home and well.

• Ensure families have what they need, such as clothing and necessary toiletries (if families left their homes in the middle of the night for an unexpected hospital admission).  

• Provide transportation to support families to maximize their time together.

• Financially assist families who cannot afford funeral arrangements for their child.

To view additional information on the vision, mission, and benefits of the Pediatric Palliative Care Program click here.