Kate Robarts' PJ Project
Donation protected
“Hi! My name is Katelyn ☺. I was a cancer patient in this hospital when I was 11 years old. Throughout my treatment I found my favourite gift to receive was pajamas. They always made me feel better and they were something different, something new. I came up with the idea to start a program to offer warmth, comfort and empathy to anyone who wears the pajamas it provides. They may just be a pair of pajamas but I hope they help make your day a little brighter.”
Our kind, ambitious, and courageous friend Katelyn Robarts lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of fourteen, shortly after starting the PJ Project at the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The message above, written by Katelyn in 2009, is attached to each pair of PJs that are delivered to the hospital.
Ever since Kate passed away in 2010, her friends and family have been continuing the PJ Project in her memory. Kate was a strong believer in the idea that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world - it is with this mindset that we maintain the project and keep it as close to Kate's original vision as possible. We would like to keep this project going for as long as we are able. Please help us keep Kate's spirit of giving alive!
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Pajamas donated through the PJ Project are used throughout the year for various reasons and they are also a part of the IWK's Christmas give away. In the days leading to Christmas, parents of patients in hospital are invited to select some gifts for their child (children) from a wonderful selection of donated items, of which the pajamas are a part of. Last year, approximately 60 patients benefited from this, most of which received a fresh pair of pajamas for Christmas.
Below are messages from IWK staff explaining the impact of the PJ Project:
“There have been times when a patient is here for a long time, and their sibling finally gets to come for a visit, and we try to make it a fun atmosphere by giving both the patient and sibling a pair of pajamas for their sleepover.”
“In the Intensive Care Unit and inpatient surgical unit, I often work with kids and families who have been taken to the IWK as a result of an unexpected injury/accident. Often times these kids and families come from all over the Maritimes. Some have been transported by ambulance and others may have come with their child in the helicopter. They don’t have time to go home to pack anything they might need for the hospital, nor do they have any idea how long they will be at the IWK. Lots of the kids can’t wear their damaged clothes they came in with. It is so nice to be able to change clothes and put on something clean and comfy. The PJs offer the kids privacy and something normal. Being able to offer both the children and parents a new pair of PJs has been a lifesaver on many occasions.”
“In Day Surgery, there have been numerous times where we have used pajamas for patients post-operation due to post sedation ‘accidents’. They have made embarrassing situations for those patients into a positive situation with a new comfy pair of PJ’s to go home in.”
Our kind, ambitious, and courageous friend Katelyn Robarts lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of fourteen, shortly after starting the PJ Project at the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The message above, written by Katelyn in 2009, is attached to each pair of PJs that are delivered to the hospital.
Ever since Kate passed away in 2010, her friends and family have been continuing the PJ Project in her memory. Kate was a strong believer in the idea that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world - it is with this mindset that we maintain the project and keep it as close to Kate's original vision as possible. We would like to keep this project going for as long as we are able. Please help us keep Kate's spirit of giving alive!
*****************************************************************************
Pajamas donated through the PJ Project are used throughout the year for various reasons and they are also a part of the IWK's Christmas give away. In the days leading to Christmas, parents of patients in hospital are invited to select some gifts for their child (children) from a wonderful selection of donated items, of which the pajamas are a part of. Last year, approximately 60 patients benefited from this, most of which received a fresh pair of pajamas for Christmas.
Below are messages from IWK staff explaining the impact of the PJ Project:
“There have been times when a patient is here for a long time, and their sibling finally gets to come for a visit, and we try to make it a fun atmosphere by giving both the patient and sibling a pair of pajamas for their sleepover.”
“In the Intensive Care Unit and inpatient surgical unit, I often work with kids and families who have been taken to the IWK as a result of an unexpected injury/accident. Often times these kids and families come from all over the Maritimes. Some have been transported by ambulance and others may have come with their child in the helicopter. They don’t have time to go home to pack anything they might need for the hospital, nor do they have any idea how long they will be at the IWK. Lots of the kids can’t wear their damaged clothes they came in with. It is so nice to be able to change clothes and put on something clean and comfy. The PJs offer the kids privacy and something normal. Being able to offer both the children and parents a new pair of PJs has been a lifesaver on many occasions.”
“In Day Surgery, there have been numerous times where we have used pajamas for patients post-operation due to post sedation ‘accidents’. They have made embarrassing situations for those patients into a positive situation with a new comfy pair of PJ’s to go home in.”
Organizer and beneficiary
Katie Buckley
Organizer
Rothesay, NB
Kelly Patterson
Beneficiary
