Why Sheets?
From Sterile to Smiling: How Fun and Colorful Bedsheets Bring Comfort and Joy to Children in the Hospital
When a child is admitted to the hospital, they are often met with a sterile and impersonal environment. The plain white sheets, the smell of disinfectant, and the beeping machines can all contribute to a sense of discomfort and unease. For children, this experience can be especially frightening and traumatic.
Studies have shown that a colorful and uplifting environment can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Fun, colorful bed sheets can help create a sense of comfort and familiarity in an otherwise unfamiliar and intimidating space. When a child feels more at ease, they are more likely to be cooperative during medical procedures, follow treatment plans, and ultimately recover more quickly.
Additionally, the visual stimulation of bright and cheerful colors has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. This is especially important for children who are already experiencing significant physical and emotional stress due to illness or injury. By creating a more positive and uplifting environment, children may be more likely to engage in activities, such as coloring, reading, or playing games, which can distract from pain or discomfort and contribute to a sense of normalcy during an otherwise difficult time.
In conclusion, the impact of a sterile hospital environment on a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing should not be underestimated. By introducing fun and colorful bed sheets, we can help create a more welcoming and uplifting space for children to heal and recover.
Bringing joy and comfort to young fighters - one colorful sheet at a time
Sawyer John Riggenbach’s diagnosis of Burkitt’s Leukemia in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, was a difficult journey due to the cancer spreading to over 85% of his body.
With pandemic restrictions on hospital visits, Sawyer found comfort in fun, printed sheets gifted by his uncle, which became a lifeline for him during his five-month hospital stay and rounds of chemotherapy.
These sheets not only helped Sawyer cope but also inspired Sawyer’s Wish™, a non-profit organization that aims to bring the same comfort to other hospitalized children through the gift of fun, printed sheets.