The Ritz Herald
© Connecticut Children's Medical Center

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center: A Beacon of Hope and Community


Published on March 13, 2025

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center stands as a pivotal institution within the region, dedicated to providing exceptional care for children. The center’s mission extends beyond medical treatment, encompassing a profound commitment to community engagement and support. Through a diverse array of events, Connecticut Children’s cultivates a network of care that profoundly impacts the lives of young patients and their families.

The center’s extensive event schedule, initially perceived as ambitious, reveals a strategic approach to fostering awareness and generating vital support. These events are not merely fundraisers; they are community-building initiatives designed to unite individuals in a shared commitment to children’s well-being. Individuals such as Andi Sklar, a mother who recognized the critical need for accessible pediatric care, have been instrumental in the hospital’s growth. Sklar, in collaboration with physicians, organized tours and events to showcase the hospital’s comprehensive services, highlighting the importance of specialized care for children.

One individual, Andi Sklar, partnered with her physician friends at the newly built hospital to showcase all of the services offered. As a mom herself, Andi knew the importance of having access to great medical care for children. Andi Sklar began networking to generate buzz about the hospital. She then organized tours and events for the hospital’s top specialists to talk about services and causes that were most important to them.

Donors such as the Connoly and Roth families, alongside the efforts of individuals like Cheryl Chase, enable the hospital to invest in advanced research, state-of-the-art equipment, and crucial support programs. These programs include child life specialists, who alleviate the stress of hospitalization, and family support initiatives, which provide practical and emotional assistance during challenging times. You can find more information about their events on their official website, which is a great resource for anyone wanting to get involved.

The “Champions for Children” breakfast exemplifies the center’s commitment to transparency and education. This intimate gathering offers attendees the opportunity to hear directly from medical professionals about groundbreaking research and advancements in pediatric medicine. Presentations on topics such as childhood cancer research underscores the dedication and passion of the hospital’s staff. These events also illuminate the complex financial realities faced by children’s hospitals, including the costs of research, development, and subsidized care. These are the types of efforts that make a world of difference, and they wouldn’t be possible without the resources of individuals such as Andi Sklar and Cheryl Chase. (Connecticut Children’s, “About Us,” www.connecticutchildrens.org/about-us).

Beyond formal gatherings, Connecticut Children’s encourages community engagement through accessible events like “Superhero Sunday.” This family-friendly event, featuring superhero themes and adventure stations, promotes awareness and raises funds for the hospital. Participation in such events, whether through walking, running, or cheering, reinforces the idea that even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact. The next Superhero Day is scheduled for April 27, 2025.

Connecticut Children’s events serve as a testament to the power of community collaboration. They unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in a shared mission to ensure every child has the opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life. By participating in these events, individuals invest in the future of children and the broader community. The public is encouraged to explore the center’s website, attend an event, or contribute to its vital work, recognizing that the act of giving generates lasting benefits.

Newsroom Staff