<< back to the Press Releases List

AIG Hawaiʻi donation brightens day for children at Kapiʻolani Medical Center

Representatives of AIG Hawaiʻiʼs PACE Committee, which stands for Positive Action Committee of Employees, delivered more than 200 new and recycled books, toys, DVD movies, games and puzzles, along with two new DVD players and the Nintendo Wii to help brighten the time for seriously ill children and their siblings.

Opportunities for play and entertainment in the hospital have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families with others facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. And in the case of the Wii system, the donation may even help kids recover faster. According to an AP article posted Feb. 9, 2008, “Some call it ʻWiihabilitation,ʼ” as the system is “fast becoming a craze in rehab therapy for patients.”

Martha Smith, chief operating officer of Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children, said the generosity of AIG Hawaiʻi employees means a lot to their patients and families. “The serious medical conditions of our patients mean that families of critically ill children spend a lot of time at the medical center,” Smith said. “The Play Room provides families a chance to relax, laugh and take their minds off the serious conditions of their family members, at least for a little while.”

Stephanie Tom, vice president of Human Resources for AIG Hawaiʻi and advisor to the PACE Committee, said AIG Hawaiʻi staff members decided to launch the donation effort after taking a tour of the medical facility.

“Each month the PACE Committee, which consists of about 20 supervisors, initiates a community service activity,” Tom said. “The PACE members were so moved by the work of the Kapiʻolani Medical Center staff in helping seriously ill children in Hawaiʻi that they wanted to do something to help. Weʼre glad we can do a little to help make the day better for patients at Kapiʻolani Medical Center.”

AIG Hawaiʻi is the largest mass marketer of auto insurance in the state and a full service provider of personal and commercial insurance products and services. AIG Hawaiʻi has more than 300 employees in Hawaiʻi and office locations on all major islands in the state.

Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children is Hawaiʻiʼs only Pediatric Specialty Hospital and High Risk Maternity Center. With 197-beds and 90-bassinets, Kapiʻolani Medical Center is a tertiary care medical teaching and research facility specializing in the care and treatment of women, infants and children. Pediatric services for children throughout the state and Pacific Region include intensive care for infants and children, 24-hour emergency care and pediatric air transport. 

Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Clinic & Hospital and Wilcox Memorial Hospital are the four hospital affiliates of the nonprofit healthcare organization Hawaiʻi Pacific Health. Its mission is to provide the highest quality healthcare and services to the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Region. Hawaiʻi Pacific Health administrative offices are located at 55 Merchant Street, 26^th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813. Telephone: (808) 535-7100.