At CHOC, patients can explore the creative realms of radio, television and new media right from their hospital rooms through Seacrest Studios, and that’s all thanks to a partnership between the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department.
Recently celebrating nine years since its official opening at CHOC, Seacrest Studios exists to enhance the hospital experience by providing a world-class, in-house broadcast studio to fulfill the production dreams of patients and families. The studios’ programming includes radio and television shows, game shows, celebrity interviews and performances—and patients can join the fun by coming to the studio or participating from their rooms. The creative possibilities are endless and ensures patients leave with positive memories during their stay at CHOC.
Meeting the needs of a pediatric patient goes beyond providing cutting edge medical care. It also means providing smiles, laughter and diversions from their journeys toward wellness. These media production activities promote positive coping by providing opportunities for greater emotional expression. The Seacrest Studios provides not only a welcome distraction, but a creative outlet for the patients and families that are hospitalized.
Singing a childhood song with his mom
Coming from a family of musicians, Steve grew up surrounded by Latin music and the sounds of the guitar.
He leaned on the comforts of this familiar instrument when he was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, and would bring his guitar with him during his stays at CHOC.
Josh, a child life specialist at CHOC, noticed the guitar while he was visiting patients on the Hyundai Cancer Institute, and he invited Steve down to Seacrest Studio.
“I never thought something like this would exist in the hospital,” says Steve. “It’s really cool.”
Soon, Steve would stop by the Studio every time he had an extended stay at CHOC—most of the time with a guitar in tow. It became a distraction for him and a way to break up the day. One time, he was joined by his mother, and the two sang Regálame Esta Noche—a song that his mother would sing to him when he was younger.
“Out of all the times I’ve sung in the Studio, singing with my mom was the most special,” says Steve.
Your Philanthropy Makes an Impact
While Seacrest Studios provides invaluable services to patients and their families, none of these services are revenue producing nor are they reimbursable through insurance. Thus, this program is dependent upon philanthropy and supporters like you to help us encourage each patient and family to stay positive and engaged with the healing process.
