October 18, 2024
Hartford HealthCare is grateful to the Mattel Children’s Foundation for generously donating 1,500 Barbies that were distributed to young patients and visitors at each of the system’s seven acute care hospitals, HHC at Home, and Natchaug Hospital. The gift was made in celebration of Barbie’s 65th anniversary—with each doll connecting to a legacy Barbie that incorporates one of her classic styles throughout the decades.
Those receiving a Barbie included young patients and visitors at Hartford HealthCare Emergency Departments and children visiting their newborn sibling in Labor & Delivery Departments. At Hartford Hospital, families taking classes through Women’s Ambulatory Health Services also received commemorative dolls.
Additionally, Barbies will be distributed through several other Hartford HealthCare programs that meet patients and families where they are—including Neighborhood Health, Grace S. Webb School, inpatient and outpatient children’s units at the Institute of Living, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, and Food4Health.
“Hartford HealthCare is so appreciative for this thoughtful and special gift from the Mattel Children’s Foundation,” said Lynn B. Rossini, Vice President of Philanthropy at Hartford Hospital and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. “Visiting a hospital or doctor’s office as a patient or visitor can be a stressful, sometimes scary, experience for children and we make every effort at Hartford HealthCare to ensure every child and teen feels comfortable, safe, and looked after. We are grateful to Mattel for helping us bring smiles to the children and families we serve, as we work with them to develop positive core memories about seeking healthcare.”