The S.M.I.L.E.  Project

What is the S.M.I.L.E. Project?

S.M.I.L.E. stands for Students Making It a Little Easier.  It is a volunteer program in collaboration with Children's Hospital, LSU Medical School, and the American Cancer Society.  The program was started by a medical student in Virginia in 1990.  It is based on the "Big Buddy/Little Buddy" premise.  "Big Buddies" are medical students in their first or second year of medical school.  "Little Buddies" are interested pediatric hematology/oncology patients and their siblings, ages 4 years through 17 years.

What do we do?

S.M.I.L.E. is a "support" system for children.  Children are paired with students based on common interests and personalities.  The students visit the hematology/oncology child when he/she must come to clinic or to be hospitalized at Children's.  In addition, group activities are held and include such events as bowling, picnics, trips to the zoo, and parties.  Essentially, these activities allow the children to have fun and to focus on "just being kids."

Each sibling also has his/her own buddy.  All events and outings are equally available to siblings and their Big Buddies, providing brothers and sisters with the same opportunity for special attention.

Please bear in mind that the program volunteers are students, and often their time is limited.  Sometimes a Big Buddy  may not be able to attend group events, but that does not mean that his/her  Little Buddy  is not welcome.  In fact, the little buddy is encouraged to attend because there will always be someone there for him/her.  Many times the big buddies will do things outside of the group events with their little buddy.  This is especially true for older children because most of our events are geared toward the younger children, who comprise many of our members.

How much does it cost to enroll your children?

NOTHING!!!  It's free.  All group events are paid for by the S.M.I.L.E. Project.  Occasionally, we may ask that you pack a lunch for your child, but there is no additional cost to you.