Care. Compassion. Cuddles.
Providing arms to hold every child in need at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
The Challenge: While there are plenty of people ready to volunteer to hold these little ones, there are insufficient resources to manage the program. We have a goal of raising $323,707 to cover all program expenses for 3 years at a time. This money goes directly towards a full-time CHLA staff member to operate the cuddler program.
Purpose: Koala Corps was born from its founders’ deeply personal journey as CHLA parents. They endured six agonizing months in the hospital, where their newborn fought for her fragile life. During their stay, they witnessed something else that was heartbreaking—too many babies alone in their cribs. Seeing the need for more volunteers to provide comfort, they created the Koala Corps with a singular mission:
Fund a full-time coordinator for the CHLA cuddler program. This role is essential to recruiting, training, and growing a network of volunteer cuddlers, ensuring that every baby who is alone has someone to hold them.
Testimonials
“One morning as a NICCU cuddler was rounding, she offered to cuddle this patient. The primary RN said, “Sure let’s see if cuddling will calm her!” As a result, the infant was cuddled for three consecutive hours and did not require the dose of Ativan. The infant continued to not require Ativan for the next few mornings when various NICCU cuddlers held her.” - Volunteer Cuddler
“It was traumatizing to see other infants who were suffering like my daughter but they were alone in their crib.” - Ciera Granger