The Embrace Kids Foundation has been providing access to quality, compassionate care to local New Jersey pediatric patients since 1991. All programs and services are offered at no cost to the families. In 2019, we provided $1.8 million in direct aid and services to families, with a mission fulfillment rate of 87%.

Embrace Kids Foundation exists to lighten the burden and improve the quality of life for children with cancer, sickle cell and other serious disorders in the New Jersey/New York City metropolitan area. Underlying all of our programs is our goal to help maintain as much normalcy as possible in our patients’ lives by addressing the spiritual, emotional and financial issues of the kids and their families. We believe that addressing the needs of the patient and families as a whole is a critical part of caring for the child.

RUDM plays a central role in funding the Embrace Kids Foundation Core Programs and 100% of the money raised supports these programs so they can continue each year. Due to the current financial crisis, these families need our support more than ever. Make sure you are doing everything you can this year to encourage friends and family to sign up and donate so that Embrace Kids can continue their support for these families.

THE EMBRACE KIDS FOUNDATION CORE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

• Family Liaison Staff – The family liaisons visit the patient families daily to coordinate support services, provide resources and comfort, and manage programs to improve their quality of life.
• Family Services – Family Services offers comprehensive support to patients’ families including meals at the hospital, new patient bag, clothing, furnishing for families, hotel stays and flights for family members, birthday gifts, and laptops & iPads.
• RU4Kids Program – RU4Kids pairs Rutgers student organizations with patient families for the purpose of providing social support, normalcy, & fun during treatment
• Inspirational Events – Inspirational Events provide families with a safe social outlet including sporting events, movie outings, theme park, outings, field days & signature Embrace Kids Halloween, Thanksgiving & Holiday Parties.
• Embrace Kids Education Program – The Education Program includes on-site teacher & subject-specific tutors, special learning resources, and advocacy with the patient’s school’s special education team.
• Emergency Financial Assistance & Transportation – Embrace Kids directly pays household bills, provides gas & grocery cards, and funds for transportation for patient families to offset financial burdens during treatment Embrace Kids Bilingual Programs
• The Bilingual Program – The Bilingual Program includes a Spanish Interpreter to advocate for & extend resources to Spanish Speaking families. Materials are translated to Spanish & a parent mentor program is provided for Spanish speaking parents.
• Front & Center Scholarships – Embrace Kids pays for college tuition, books, & school supplies for current & former patients.
• Tackle Sickle Cell Programs – The Sickle Cell community is an underserved cause. The Sickle Cell program provides advocacy, awareness &support for families battling Sickle Cell Disease.
• The Building of Hope – The Building of Hope provides a comfortable space for families to rest & recuperate during treatment. It is also used for tutoring, hosting support groups, & parties for kids.
• Social Services and Counseling – Embrace Kids Foundation provides experienced counselors to support the families. The counselors are warm and caring individuals trained to help the child and the families deal with the diagnosis and work closely with Embrace Kids staff to provide comprehensive support through the Family Service Program.
• Pediatric Palliative Care – This program enables patient families to be at home instead of the hospital and is primarily for when cancer treatment has been stopped. The child patient is made comfortable in their own home, surrounded by loved ones and a nurse and counselor are there to provide the whole family with support.