CATCH Program

The Center for Achievement of Teens and Children with Hand Differences (CATCH) is a program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles designed to build community for children of all ages with missing, small or weak arms, hands or fingers. The program is open to all patients who receive care through the Hand and Microsurgery Program in the hospital’s Children's Orthopaedic Center.

With the donations of generous supporters, the staff of CATCH host events and develop supportive programs for children who have hand and upper extremity disorders. 

EVENTS

CATCH Annual Picnic

This day-long picnic offers fun and education. Arts, crafts and music activities are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of this special group of children.

Lunch is provided around large tables in a wide open area to encourage patients and family members to meet and form relationships that lend a sense of community and support.

Educational lectures for family members by experts, such as orthopaedic surgeons, occupational therapists, nurses, a prosthetist and social workers.

Handy Heroes Therapy Camp

Handy Heroes Therapy Camp is the only camp of its kind within the greater Los Angeles area. Created and led by the Occupational Therapy program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the camp is designed specifically for children with cerebral palsy, a condition which often limits a child's ability to use one side of their body (especially the hand on the affected side) due to lack of strength, coordination and motor skills.

The camp provides children with the physical benefits as well as the psychological and social benefits as well. Camp creates a sense of acceptance, unity and empowerment among the campers. The opportunity to participate in a camp experience with children who have similar challenges is priceless.

SUPPORT PROGRAMS

CATCH Scholarships

CATCH is currently raising funds to provide scholarships for musical instruments, sports adaptive equipment and prosthetics to patients and families who cannot participate in most play activities without them. One-handed keyboards and iPads are just a few of the items that can help these children express themselves as artists, musicians, engineers and athletes. 

Holiday Gift Program

CATCH plans to provide the children in our program with specialized toys that will help them develop and make the most of their abilities. 

CONTACT

Nina Lightdale, MD at nlightdale@chla.usc.edu
Gina Kim, OT at HandyHeroes@CHLA.USC.edu.

MAKE A DONATION

Click here to make a gift. Be sure to type the word CATCH in the box under “I would like my donation directed to” and in the box labeled “Other” after the jump.

Thank you for your donation to CATCH.