Our Mission
Sharing laughter, rest, and togetherness with families who have a seriously ill child.
Every day, right here in Seattle, children from across the region are receiving world-class medical treatment for serious illness at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Many of these families are supported by Seattle’s Ronald McDonald House for housing and basic needs. Together with our screened, trained, and supported volunteers, we hope to fill the gaps in between by providing relational support for families.
Our Programs
Family Support
Families who have relocated to Seattle for months or years of treatment are matched with volunteer teams of two "experts at play" who provide weekly adventures and fun diversion for patients and siblings.
Families are referred to us by social workers and staff from Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the Hutch School, Ronald McDonald House, and other families who have received our support. We welcome self-referrals too!
REFER A FAMILY! REFER YOURSELF!
Getaways
SBS WINTER WEEKEND is a relaxing and refreshing weekend retreat for families who have a child receiving, or within one ear of receiving, active treatment for a cancer diagnosis. Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Seattle, IslandWood on Bainbridge Island is the ideal location for a weekend of laughter, rest, and togetherness.
Save the date: February 22-24, 2019
Would you like to bring your family to Winter Weekend?
Ronald McDonald House Teams:
Enthusiastic volunteer teams regularly provide dinners, crafts and fun activities (like BINGO!) for the 80 families living at the Ronald McDonald House. Look for our teams on the first, second, and fourth Monday nights at RMH!
Our Story
Our Staff
JJ Kissinger :: Director :: jjkissinger@upc.org :: 206.524.7301 x534
Marla Malone :: Associate Director, Family Support and RMH Teams :: marlam@upc.org :: 206-524.7301 x273
Kelly Hampton :: Associate Director, Preschool Programs :: kellyh@upc.org :: 206.524.7301 x538
Lisa Kissinger :: Camp & Winter Weekend Family Coordinator :: lisak@upc.org
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Serious illness does not discriminate—we are privileged to serve children and families without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.