Supportive services at Levine Children’s

The HEARTest Yard. This program provides in-home nursing support for children and families as they transition from the hospital to their home. It’s funded by the Greg Olsen Foundation and was launched after the former Carolina Panthers football player and his wife, Kara, had a baby with a severe heart defect.

Camp LUCK. This organization hosts free summer camps for kids with heart conditions and their siblings. Camp LUCK helps children build a community with other kids who are having similar experiences.

Baby LUCK. This organization serves families who have children with heart conditions under age 7. Facilitated by nurses who volunteer their time, it creates a supportive community and includes entertainment for kids and activities for parents.

Cardiac neurodevelopmental program. Having heart surgery as a baby may affect your child’s brain development later in life. Children may experience challenges like anxiety, depression and learning differences. Our neurodevelopmental program will monitor your child for years after their surgery. We make sure their learning and development are on track and help them through any challenges that arise.

MedCenter Air. This program offers rapid transport for patients who need emergency and critical care.

Housing accommodations. This includes accommodations at the Ronald McDonald House, Hospitality House and discounted rooms at local hotels so families who live hours from Charlotte can stay nearby during their child’s treatment.

EASE app. We make surgery a little easier on families by sending them up-to-the-minute updates while their child is in the hospital.

Pastoral care. Our chaplains offer religious and spiritual support when families request a visit.

Child life specialists. These specialists are involved in all aspects of the patient experience. They support kids and families throughout their time with us, ranging from helping prepare for medical procedures to helping kids recover through games and play.

Nurse navigators. These nurses support and build close relationships with each patient and family. They become experts in each child’s condition and medical history, teach parents at-home care, attend appointments to answer questions, discuss treatments and more.

Nutritionists. Our nutritionists make sure kids get all the nutrients they need to stay strong.

Social workers. They help families with things like counseling, finding financial assistance and connecting with support groups.