University Of Illinois Hospital & Health Science System — Changing medicine. For good.

Children's Hospital University of Illinois partnered with Exhibit 4 Smiles to provide chronically ill kids with gifts. Donated gifts from our health system community and other sponsors were distributed throughout the day on December 13 to the excited kids who were able to participate. Of the 106 kids that submitted profiles, 64 were able to come in and receive their gifts, enjoy the snacks/refreshments and spend time with Children's Hospital staff and volunteers from Exhibit 4 Smiles.

The sponsors for all the gifts were much bigger than last year (literally): each of the gifts were at a minimum of $50 each! The parents and children repeatedly mentioned to staff what a wonderful event this is for their family and how it makes a huge difference for each of them. Betty Kurian, organizer for the event on behalf of the Children's Hospital said that seeing the kids is what makes such an event so worthwhile: "The looks on the kids' faces was unforgettable," she says.

ABC news and Univision both covered the event in the December 13 evening broadcast.

Exhibit 4 Smiles finds sponsors to purchase gifts for our sick children during the holidays. The initiative is a grassroots movement backed by caring people from across the exhibit industries who are reaching out to provide smiles to children suffering with life-threatening illnesses. There is a significant difference between E4S and many other charitable causes. With E4S, you truly feel the human connection and can witness the direct impact their generosity has on these children, who genuinely appreciate each gift.