A volunteer initiative known as Cases for Smiles is working to bring joy to patients at the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. This national program encourages volunteers to visit patient rooms and assist children in sewing personalized pillowcases. The Madison chapter began in 2008 but was paused during the pandemic due to health restrictions. It resumed last spring and is now seeking more sewn pillowcases and volunteers.
The hospital plans to expand, which will increase the number of children served by the program, requiring more volunteer support either on-site or for sewing pillowcases remotely. Donation drop-off sites are located at The Electric Needle and Blue Bar Quilts in Madison.
Heather Sheehan, a child life therapy assistant with UW Health Kids, noted that volunteers are trained extensively in medical protocols so they can interact safely with patients. “This program is more than just sewing a pillowcase; it offers patients a warm, compassionate interaction,” she said.
Sheehan explained that the program provides patients an opportunity for a fun experience amid their challenging treatments. “Patients don’t often have a choice in the hospital, but this lets them decide on fabric and how much they want to sew,” she added.
Long-term patients particularly appreciate these visits because volunteers become familiar with their preferences and bring specially designed fabrics for them. Volunteers Nancy Carney and Sue Neuser from Madison visit monthly, producing between 12 to 20 pillowcases each time. Additionally, about 150 pillowcases are donated monthly by community members.
Carney described the process: pillowcases are partially sewn beforehand so that patients can complete them if they wish. These cases are sanitized thoroughly before being delivered sealed into patient rooms. There are various designs available for selection such as Spider-Man, Disney characters, Lego, and animal themes.
“Our goal is to make kids feel better so they can heal better,” Carney stated. “If they can feel happiness and forget about why they are in the hospital for a moment, that is what we are here for.”
