Making medical moments less scary thanks to Abby Rose (Child Life Specialist)

“What if a blood draw didn’t have to feel terrifying, Abby Rose is a child life specialist. And if you have never taken advantage of all they have to offer when your child is hospitalized, you’re going to want to connect with them after you listen or watch this podcast!

The North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference is one of those places you attend to learn—but it’s also a place where you meet people who quietly leave a lasting mark. One of those people is Certified Child Life Specialist Abby Rose.

Abby works at Seattle Children’s Hospital, supporting both the Cystic Fibrosis program and Pediatric Hemodialysis. Originally from Wisconsin, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, followed by a master’s degree in Child Life from Edgewood College.

In her role, Abby focuses on outpatient care, working closely with children and families to create individualized coping plans. She supports kids through procedures many of us take for granted—blood draws, throat swabs, vaccinations, while also helping families navigate pill swallowing, treatment tolerance, sibling support, and the everyday challenges that can feel overwhelming in CF care.

People like Abby made a profound difference for kids like one of my daughters—children who are frightened by procedures or don’t fully understand what’s about to happen to them. Child Life Specialists play a critical role in hospital settings, helping children feel safer, more informed, and more in control during some of their most vulnerable moments.

Today, I’m excited to talk with Abby about the work she does—and why it matters so deeply.

In our conversation, we’ll explore:

The Beads of Courage program and why it’s so meaningful to children and families

Why Abby is such a strong advocate for transparency, open communication, and the rights of patients and families

What draws her personally to Child Life work, and why she believes in it so deeply

And some of the “tricks of the trade”—the practical tools and techniques she uses to help kids feel calmer and more cooperative during procedures like blood draws

This is a conversation about care, trust, and the people who help make hard moments just a little bit easier.

Like, subscribe, and comment on our podcasts!

Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/

The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.org

Email us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com

Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featured

New: Shop our merchandise! https://thebonnellfoundation.org/product-shop/

Thanks to our sponsors:

Vertex: https://www.vrtx.com

Viatris: https://www.viatris.com/en

Read us on Substack: https://substack.com/@lstb?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

Watch our trailer of Embracing Egypt: https://youtu.be/RYjlB25Cr9Y