Charm Connection Program
Bringing Joy, Normalization, and Socialization to Pediatric Cancer Patients
Our charms aren’t ordinary…They’re magic!
Program Overview
The Charm Connection Program is designed to enhance the hospital experience for pediatric cancer patients by fostering socialization, coping, and normalization during treatment. Through the exchange of charms, patients, and their medical team create meaningful connections, encouraging positive interactions and a sense of community within the hospital setting.
Program Goals
● Normalize the hospital experience by incorporating a fun, engaging activity.
● Encourage socialization between patients, staff, and caregivers.
● Provide a coping tool to help children feel more in control and engaged.
● Foster a supportive and uplifting environment within the hospital.
I recently worked with a patient who had a relatively new diagnosis and was having a tough time adjusting to being hospitalized. He noticed the charms on my badge and really liked them, so I went to get him a starter kit. As luck would have it, he ended up getting two of the same charms I had on mine and was thrilled that we were matching. This small moment created a meaningful connection between us—he didn’t want to trade his charms because they matched mine, and it helped him feel more comfortable and seen. More importantly, it allowed me to build trust with him, which made a big difference in how we connected moving forward.
— Registered Nurse
How it Works
Starter Pack for Patients
● Each participating child receives a starter kit including:
● A bracelet with holes for charms.
● 3–5 charms to begin their collection.
● A small instruction card explaining the program.
● Starter packs are distributed by the medical team upon diagnosis or at a designated time during treatment.
Clinical Staff Participation
● Nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and other hospital staff receive a badge keychain with holes to display charms.
● Staff can collect charms to trade with patients, creating an interactive and engaging experience.
● Encourages natural and positive interactions between staff and patients.
Charm Trading & Earning
● Patients can trade charms with hospital staff, other patients, and child life specialists to personalize their collection.
● Additional charms can be earned through:
● Participating in activities (e.g., art therapy, music therapy, physical therapy).
● Completing treatments or achieving milestones (e.g., finishing a round of chemotherapy).
● Acts of kindness, such as encouraging a fellow patient.
Charm Collection Hub
● The medical team will maintain a charm bank where patients can visit to trade, receive new charms, or select special edition charms.
● Limited-edition charms can be introduced for holidays, hospital events, or special achievements… the possibilities are limitless!.
Patients who are more reserved tend to engage quicker and have a brighter affect when engaging with the program. Allows for better rapport building opportunities.
— Hospital School Liaison
Implementation & Support
● Child Life Specialists spearhead the program, manage charm distribution, and oversee trading events.
● Nurses and clinical staff support the program by wearing charm keychains and actively engaging with patients in trading and conversations.
● Hospital administration provides initial funding or partnerships to source charms and bracelets.
Expected Impact
● Increased social interactions among patients and staff.
● Greater emotional support and coping through a lighthearted, engaging activity.
● A sense of normalcy in an otherwise clinical setting.
● Stronger connections between patients and caregivers, leading to improved emotional well-being.
The Charm Connection Program transforms a small accessory into a powerful tool for joy, connection, and resilience, helping pediatric cancer patients feel more like kids while they undergo treatment
The FACTS!
As a valued member of the medical team, you play a crucial role in creating a supportive, comforting environment for pediatric cancer patients. The Charm Connection Program is designed to help you build meaningful relationships with your patients through a simple but powerful activity—charm trading!
Your keychain isn’t just an accessory for your badge—it’s a way to build relationships with your patients! By trading charms, you can create moments of joy, trust, and connection, helping to normalize the hospital experience.
Patients receive starter kits, and additional charms are available through Child Life. Wear your keychain proudly—a small trade can make a big impact! 💙
Patients were more likely to engage with staff members and would actively look for staff members with the keychains
— Child Life Specialist
Bring the Charm Connection Program to your Hospital or Care Team
Interested in creating meaningful connections with your patients?
Email us at hello@oliverpatchproject.org to get started!
Patients who are more reserved tend to engage quicker and have a brighter affect when engaging with the program. Allows for better rapport building opportunities.
— Hospital School Liaison