Setting the standard of care for infants, children and young adults with advanced illness.
It is an unfortunate fact that some children are born with or develop life-limiting illnesses. It can be frightening the first time a family hears that their child is not expected to survive their childhood years. However, predicting the exact length and course of their disease process is very difficult. This is the time when Hope’s Friends can help.
Hope’s Friends is not necessarily a program for dying children. Our program does not give up hope. On the contrary, it is focused on providing hope, support and quality of life.
The goal of Hope’s Friends
Our goal is to help young patients and their families live every day as fully as possible while remaining in their home environment. By enabling young patients to remain in their home, Hope’s Friends helps to strengthen the family to improve the quality and quantity of their time together.
Children usually receive all of their care in their own home because it is at home where children typically feel the most comfort, security and control. Our pediatric team works together with the child and family to develop an individualized plan of care to meet each child’s unique needs.
Mission
To support Hope, provide assistance, and to care.
Who’s eligible?
Children ages birth to 18 who have a life-limiting illness. Some may not be expected to reach adulthood. Others may still be seeking a cure. Some children may be in our program for many years.
What we can do for your child?
- Alleviate pain and other symptoms of illness that cause discomfort or distress
- Provide teaching tips and support for families to facilitate the provision of care at home (when desired)
- Assist with financial resources
- Provide and deliver medical equipment, supplies and medications
- Provide integrative therapies (art, massage, music, therapy dogs and reiki)
- Provide nutritional counseling and management of tube feedings
View Hope's Friends Brochure
Our care team
Care is delivered by a team of professionals and volunteers. Under the direction of the patient’s physician and Hope’s Friends Medical Director, and with input from the patient/family/caregivers, the team develops and follows a personalized plan of care and support. The plan is continually reviewed and adapted to meet the patient’s changing needs.
Dr. Henry H. Mangurten, MD, FAAP
Associate Medical Director for Pediatrics
Dr. Mangurten joined our agency to advance our highly successful pediatric programs: Hope’s Friends and Hope’s Circle of Friends. While our pediatric services are already among the largest in Illinois, his addition brings more than 40 years of advocating and supporting pediatric care across our region. Currently, Dr. Mangurten is the Chairman Emeritus for the Department of Pediatrics at Lutheran General Hospital after leading that department for fifteen years. Prior to that position, he was their Director of Neonatology with more than 215 documents published or presented throughout his career; in addition, he has even patented a neonatal Blood Sample Collector. As a leading and highly respected regional authority on intensive pediatric care, Dr. Mangurten will extend and expand the services for vulnerable children.
The team will always include:
- Patient
- Parents and family
- Nurse Manager
- Physician
- Social Worker
- Chaplain
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Volunteer
What’s the cost?
Services are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid. For patients who have no reimbursement, the Hospice Foundation will cover the cost of care.
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