On Monday, 8th September, LauraLynn welcomed 100 valued supporters to the hospice for an exclusive Open Day. The event provided a unique opportunity for the generous community that supports LauraLynn to see firsthand the profound impact their kindness has on the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Guests were given guided tours of the hospice, experiencing the warmth, care, and overwhelming positivity that defines LauraLynn. Many visitors shared how the experience challenged their preconceptions of what a children’s hospice is like.
"I absolutely adore the overwhelming positivity and kind of attitude that everybody has. It is not a sad place; it is a really positive place to come," said Oisín, who supports LauraLynn through corporate donors SMBC Aviation Capital. He added: "I learned the power that music, play, and fun have to make the children's lives better, not just in a medical way but in an emotional way."
Long-time supporter Michael, who was visiting for the first time, echoed this sentiment: "I think it's the intent to make it a happy place. And it comes across. It's a place of peace, comfort, support, rather than a medical centre."
Gillian Neary, Head of Community & Corporates Fundraising at LauraLynn, coordinated the event and shared her thoughts:
"It was an absolute pleasure to welcome so many of our supporters to LauraLynn and to have the opportunity to thank them in person. Our supporters are the ones who make the magic happen here every day. This event was all about showing them the real, tangible impact of their generosity, from the colours on the walls to the music in our sensory rooms. They are the ones who make the difference for children and families on the toughest of journeys, and it was a privilege to show them, rather than tell them, the impact they make."
The tour gave supporters a deeper understanding of the holistic care LauraLynn provides. For many, it was an emotional and inspiring experience.
"It was beautiful to see how something so hard can be made into good memories for families", said Ann-Marie, who works at Mars Capital, another valued corporate donor.
Edel, from Amgen, added: "I felt it was absolutely inspiring. I didn't realise the lengths that they went to in order to support families and beyond that... I just thought it was a wonderful space and a space that you can come as a family, come back and remember your child. I just thought that was really meaningful."
The Open Day was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community that makes LauraLynn’s work possible and to celebrate the incredible spirit of generosity that enables us to support children with palliative care needs and their families across Ireland.
