Chronically Ill Kids Communicate Via Computer Network

Chronically ill children at Texas Children’s Hospital now have the opportunity to reach out to someone who understands – other children across the country with similar illnesses.

Starbright World, a private, secure online computer network, is designed for children and adolescents, ages 7 to 18, who have a serious or chronic illness or injury that requires ongoing medical treatment or regimens. With the click of a mouse, Starbright World provides valuable peer support, distraction and education tools to nearly 100 hospitals throughout the nation, including Texas Children’s.

"The computers are in constant use by patients anxious to talk to kids their age who are going through a similar experience," said Sarah Maytum, Texas Children’s child life specialist. "Making friends through Starbright World helps children feel connected and less lonely."

In the first two months of programming, 168 patients at Texas Children’s registered on Starbright World and logged on to the computer 502 times.

A home version of the program soon will be available for patients who are leaving the hospital and want to stay in touch with Starbright World friends.

Starbright World is affiliated with Starbright Foundation, a nonprofit organization that makes products and programs for children with chronic illnesses.

– Laura Frnka

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URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/03_15_02/page_17.html