A Day Full of Heart at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York
Creature Comfort founder Ava Builione delivers ComfortKits and Slumberkins to Lenox Hill Hospital alongside Dr. Marty Ellington, Dr. Patricia Donovan, Jennifer Reeves and Hannah Friedman.
Comfort and Care Delivered to Lenox Hill Hospital Pediatric Patients in New York
New York, NY | June 10, 2025 — Creature Comfort Foundation founder Ava Builione visited Lenox Hill Hospital, part of Northwell Health, to deliver a heartfelt donation of ComfortKits and Slumberkins therapeutic plushies to pediatric patients. The visit highlighted the Foundation’s mission to bring emotional support and moments of joy to children navigating the challenges of hospitalization.
During the visit, Ava met with members of the hospital's pediatric leadership team, including Dr. Marty Ellington, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics; Dr. Patricia Donovan, Director of the Pediatric Hospitalist Program; and Hannah Friedman, Senior Director of Operations for Maternal Child Health. Together, they discussed how comfort-centered care and emotional support can positively impact the hospital experience for young patients and their families.
Creature Comfort Foundation's ComfortKits are thoughtfully designed to support emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and provide engaging distraction during stressful moments. Each kit includes calming sensory tools, creative activities, and storybooks that help children process their feelings. The donation also included Slumberkins Bigfoot and Sprite plushies, therapeutic companions known for helping children develop emotional skills and build self-confidence.
“A hospitalization impacts not only pediatric patients, but also siblings and families navigating medical care. Being able to provide comfort is so important and impactful,” said Jennifer Reeves, MS, CCLS, Certified Child Life Specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital.
The day was filled with warmth and gratitude as children eagerly cuddled their new plushies and parents expressed heartfelt appreciation for the thoughtful, healing-focused donation.
Creature Comfort Foundation works in partnership with hospitals and child life teams nationwide to bring tools of comfort to children undergoing medical treatment. From oncology and trauma units to emergency rooms and intensive care, the Foundation ensures each child feels seen, soothed, and supported.
To support or partner with Creature Comfort Foundation, visit creaturecomfort.org and follow us on instagram. Every donation helps expand our mission and deliver care beyond medicine.
Media Contact:
Stacia Burke
Head of Community Outreach
stacia@creaturecomfort.org