Get Involved
There is a place for you in this work.
A family looking for connection. A student ready to give their time. A school, healthcare professional, or community partner who sees the value of lasting friendship.
Our friendship program is opening soon. Enrollment dates will be announced here.
Find the path that fits you.
For Families
A friendship that starts with your child.
Their favorite stories. Their questions. Their sense of humor. The things they love talking about.
Our friendship program is centered on children whose illness, treatment, or recovery limits everyday contact with friends and peers. The starting point is not a diagnosis. It is getting to know the child.
What participation involves
Before participation begins, a parent or guardian and the foundation team will talk about the child’s interests, the family’s preferences, and whether the program is a good fit.
The aim is an ongoing connection with student volunteers, supported by adults and built through thoughtful correspondence, creative activities, and child-focused care packages.
A connection, not another assignment.
There is no expectation to finish an activity, find the perfect words, or write back on a difficult day. A reply is welcome, never required.
The relationship should make room for the child’s changing energy and circumstances—not ask the family to work around it.
Parents and guardians remain part of the conversation.
Family preferences belong at the center of participation. Before a connection begins, parents and guardians should understand how communication works, who is responsible, and how to raise a question or request a change.
Participation can be paused when a family’s circumstances change.
Start with your own contact information and a general question. Please do not include a child’s name, medical records, diagnosis, photographs, or other identifying details in this initial inquiry.
Referring Professionals
Help a family find another source of connection.
Pediatricians, Child Life specialists, social workers, and other professionals can help families discover the friendship program.
Share information about Beyond the Bedside with a parent or guardian and invite them to learn more. Professionals are also welcome to contact the foundation with questions about participation or introducing the program to families.
The focus is friendship and social connection. It is not medical treatment, counseling, or clinical support.
Family and Professional Inquiries
Parents, guardians, and professionals can use this form to ask about the program. Share your own contact information and a general question—not patient records or information identifying a child. An inquiry is not enrollment or a transfer of care.
Student Volunteers
Be someone who remembers.
The favorite color. The next chapter. The question from the last note.
Volunteering with Beyond the Bedside is about paying attention to another person and making the next interaction thoughtful. Writing, drawing, storytelling, and shared interests are ways to begin—not a checklist to complete.
What matters most
Be curious. Be dependable. Be honest about the time you can give. Respect family privacy and follow the program’s guidance.
You do not need to be unusually talented or have the perfect thing to say. You need to be willing to listen, learn, and keep your commitments.
Students and the adults supporting them
Student participation belongs within an adult-supported program. For students under 18, a parent, guardian, or school adviser should make the initial inquiry.
The foundation will explain the role, eligibility, preparation, and expected commitment before anyone joins.
Ask About Volunteering
Schools and Educators
A school team. A lasting commitment.
Schools can help sustain the work through student volunteer teams, adult advisers, and thoughtfully planned support efforts.
The goal goes beyond a single collection drive. It is to help students practice responsibility in a relationship—with preparation, consistent participation, and care when leadership changes.
We welcome conversations with educators about bringing a Beyond the Bedside team to their school.
Businesses and Community Partners
Put your resources behind something personal.
Useful supplies, practical expertise, and sustained support can help the foundation carry out its mission with consistency.
A meaningful partnership starts with understanding what the program needs and how your organization can contribute. The contribution should serve the children and families—not require them to become part of a promotional campaign.
Questions and Answers
Who is the program for?
The program is designed for children experiencing medical isolation—when illness, treatment, or recovery limits everyday opportunities to connect with friends and peers. The family participation information will include eligibility and availability when enrollment opens.
Does my child need to be in a hospital?
The mission is about medical isolation, not a particular building. Health-related separation from friends can happen at home as well as during hospital care. Enrollment criteria will define who the initial program can serve.
Does my child have to write back?
No. A response is welcome, never required. Participation should not depend on a child having the energy or ability to reply.
What does the program provide?
The focus is sustained friendship through shared interests, thoughtful correspondence, creative activities, and child-focused care packages. It is not a source of medical care, counseling, emergency help, groceries, or general financial assistance.
Can a family pause participation?
Yes. Family circumstances can change. Parents and guardians can speak with the foundation team about pausing or adjusting participation.
How do we know who can join and what participation involves?
Eligibility, availability, any costs, and the participation process will be stated before enrollment opens. A parent or guardian will have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to participate.
Can students under 18 get involved?
Students are central to the program’s model. A parent, guardian, or school adviser should make the initial inquiry for a student under 18. Eligibility and preparation are explained before participation begins.