Children’s Healing Center an amazing haven for immune-compromised kids
Children whose immune systems have been compromised by medical conditions or the effects of chemotherapy treatments can relax and meet new friends at the Children’s Healing Center.
Welcome to the Southeast Michigan Children’s Healing Center — arguably the cleanest and most-purposeful 11,000 square feet of space in metro-Detroit.
Opened in June of 2024, the Ypsilanti Township facility provides remarkable respite for people aged 0 to 26 (and their families) whose immune systems are compromised by a medical condition or, for instance, chemotherapy treatments that require them to be isolated for long stretches of time.
The Southeast Michigan CHC opened nine years after a Grand Rapids location was launched in 2015 by founder Amanda Barbour, who came up with the idea for the non-profit after she was diagnosed in 2009 with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, an ominous form of cancer she has since conquered.
State-of-the-art air-purifying technology and painstakingly thorough cleaning protocols give immune system-compromised people the opportunity to embrace normalcy — and interact with peers — without having to worry about germs and the adverse impact they could have on their weakened systems.
The facility is so pristinely clean that immune system-compromised visitors aren’t required to wear masks.
Fittingly, the CHC’s motto is: Good. Clean. Fun.
Cleanliness is vital
“Catching a cold or coming down with the flu isn’t a huge deal for most people — they’re illnesses that may keep them at home for a few days; but if immunocompromised people get sick, it could lead to serious complications and hospitalization,” said Mary Luplow, Southeast Michigan CHC’s Membership & Outreach Coordinator.
“After Amanda was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she experienced the isolation that is required once your immune system is compromised. She came up with the idea of having a safe, clean place for families to visit so they can experience community and normalization. We give kids a place to play and enjoy social experiences.”
Watching first-time visitors to the CHC can be an emotional experience, Luplow admitted.
Connections are powerful
“Seeing how the parents and kids connect with one another is powerful because they’re so accustomed to being isolated,” said Luplow, a resident of South Lyon.
“One mom set her small child down on the floor so he or she could explore one of our playrooms, and you could tell the other moms kind of took a deep breath because it wasn’t something they were used to seeing.
“After a couple seconds, though, they realized that, ‘Hey, we’re in a safe place and we can let go of our fears’, and they all exhaled.”
Located on a serene parcel of property that borders Eagle Crest Golf Course — with a breathtaking view of Ford Lake — the Southeast Michigan CHC is an expertly-decorated space that resonates a warm and welcoming vibe for both kids and their parents.
Donors are honored
Near the entrance of each room is a plaque that pays tribute to loyal donors.
For instance, the spacious Active Fitness room is named in honor of Chad Carr, the inspiration for the Chad Tough Foundation.
Members are treated to fun programs organized by CHC staff — and the non-profit offers opportunities for parents to drop off their children or chill in a separate room to give their kids a dose of independence while they play.
“When the (CHC) leadership was looking for a southeast-Michigan location, they wanted a site that had easy access from expressways (the facility is just minutes from I-94) — and property that was relatively close to Children’s Hospital, Mott Children’s Hospital and Corewell Health,” Luplow said. “This location is perfect.”
Potential CHC members are made aware of the non-profit’s existence by medical staff at southeast-Michigan’s children’s hospitals.
Members travel from six different counties in southeast Michigan to utilize the facility and its programs, Luplow said.
Powerful testimonials
Member testimonials on the CHC’s website are heart-warming, to say the least.
“Hardly anything can compare to knowing someone out there cares enough to build a place where we can bring our child for care, comfort and love,” said Shavonn Burgess, a CHC member, on the non-profit’s website.
Not surprisingly, the CHC’s purpose is embraced by pediatric medical professionals.
“Childhood is a magical time of hopes and dreams,” said Dr. Nasuh Malas, a Division Director in the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Department at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. “For some, disease can alter what it means to be a child and bring forth fear and uncertainty.
“Children’s Healing Center restores that joy, excitement and sense of security so important to childhood.”
Here’s how to help
Eligible people can also apply for membership on the CHC’s website. Everything the CHC provides its members is 100% free of cost.
A unique offering for CHC members is that family members of immunocompromised members can participate in CHC programs even if the person whose immune system is compromised is not present at the center.
Like most non-profit organizations, the CHC relies heavily on corporate and citizen donations and sponsorships to maintain its level of services.
Want to help? Here’s how
Among the ways to assist this amazing non-profit is to purchase tickets for its Pop-up Play event/fundraiser set for April 10 at Kalitta Air at Willow Run Airport in Belleville. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
There is also an easy-to-navigate donation and sponsorship page on the website.
Every donation, Luplow emphasized, goes a long way in ensuring that the invaluable services provided by the CHC can continue at the current robust pace.
It doesn’t take long once you tour the CHC to realize it is truly a magical place.
That said, only those once-isolated immunocompromised kids who visit the CHC realize just how magical the unique non-profit organization is.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
