Connecting Families

A connection is defined as a relationship between an event and a person. We are connected to each other through our families, our friendships and our work /community relationships. Families living with a child with a chronic health condition or a new complex medical diagnosis develop a new connection to their child’s medical team.

What often is missing is the connection to a peer who may be experiencing the same diagnosis or life event. Have you ever just wanted to have a chance to talk to someone who has been in similar shoes?  Talk with someone who has a child diagnosed with epilepsy or a heart condition? Having the ability to share stories and receive emotional support from another parent peer can be invaluable.

As part of our ongoing commitment to family-centered care, Nationwide Children’s is excited to offer our latest parent mentor program, Connecting Families. Our mission is to help create family to family partnerships to promote healthy lifestyles and enhance the quality of life for the child and for their family. Volunteer mentors will be trained to provide peer to peer support and help a family “normalize” their child’s diagnosis. Parent mentors help navigate complex healthcare systems from the point of view of “been there, done that”.

If you are interested in becoming a Connecting Families Mentor or would like to have a Mentor (Mentee) you can get more information at: www.nationwidechildrens.org/volunteering. If you have questions or just want more information please email us at : ConnectingFamilies@nationwidechildrens.org

Come on & get connected!