Smile of Kids is a Yokohama NPO providing support for children who are suffering terrible illnesses and assisting their families as well. Its director, Hisato Tagawa, lost his own daughter, Haruka, to brain cancer at age six. He set up the NPO in August of 2003 out of gratitude to her hospital and also to advance the cause of childhood medicine, which is still lagging behind. The NPO operates Lila’s House (Lila-no-ie), a lodging facility beside the Kanagawa Children’s Medical Center for families of patients (the NPO built the lodge, too). It also runs music therapy activities for patients and families, and a daycare for siblings of patients. A serious illness affects not only the child, but also exacts a great price on the family, says Tagawa.
“The siblings of the sick children are simply forced to endure. Parents are naturally going to cling to their gravely ill child and the others can feel abandoned. Their stress builds. To relieve that and to provide an environment where families can seek counsel and medicine with more peace of mind, we have an open living room in Lila’s House where the siblings can stay and be taken care of by staff.”
Beyond these initiatives, Smile of Kids is also seeking to build a children’s hospice. What does this entail? How is it different from an adult hospice? Tagawa explains, “A children’s hospice is completely different in its purpose. While the point of an adult hospice is to provide a place where they can face death in peace, in a children’s hospice, we want a place where patients can form cheerful memories with friends and family in the precious time that remains. It’s a place that still embraces life.” The design will accommodate the kids. Many have trouble on stairs, so the structure will be flat. There will be ample greenery. Tagawa also wants a location that makes it easy for friends, family and many others to visit. The lounge will have big windows where light spills in and where they can see fireworks in the summer.
The hospice, though, will cost a lot of money and to raise funds, Smile of Kids is hosting concerts. Their next is on May 10th in Kannai Hall. It will feature famous gospel singer Kamebuchi Yuka and rock artist Rolly. They will be accepting donations so if any readers were moved by Tagawa’s story, then please support this worthy endeavor!
For more information please visit:
http://www.smileofkids.jp/