Pediatrics – PainFree Program

Services

Through education, research and training, PainFree Pediatrics promotes change to help ensure that the child’s medical experience is as “PainFree” as possible.

Specifically, We Provide

• Consultation to practitioners in managing painful procedures
• Guidelines for managing painful procedures
• Educational programming for staff at BMC and affiliated community health centers
• Written materials for providers, children and families
• Quality improvement to ensure optimal pain management

PainFree Pediatrics Treatment Room

The PainFree Pediatrics Treatment Room was made possible by a memorial gift made by Eunice and Lee Hanson, members of their church community and circle of friends in memory of their granddaughter Christine Lee Hanson. Christine, a two year old, perished along with her parents Sue Kim and Peter Hanson aboard one of the hijacked planes that flew into the World Trade Center on September 11th. Christine was the youngest September 11th victim.

Peter and Sue Hanson met at graduate school at Boston University. Peter received his MBA while Sue was getting a master’s in medical science. At the time of her death, Sue was a graduate student in Pathology at Boston University, focusing on immunology. Her thesis advisor was Dr. Hardy Kornfeld. BU awarded Sue's Ph.D. posthumously in May 2002. The Hanson family has established an annual Sue Kim Hanson Lecture in Sue's memory, to be held each year on September 11th at Boston University School of Medicine.

The Hansons wanted to make a separate gift to BMC Pediatrics in memory of Christine, and selected the PainFree Pediatrics Program as a fitting match after a conversation with Dr. Barry Zuckerman, chairman of the department. Creating a dedicated, child-friendly treatment area in the inpatient unit is a tangible gift and provides a more child-friendly space for treatment, using state-of-the art distraction equipment that is a fundamental part of the PainFree Pediatrics Program mission.

Gayle Mangan Kassal, the artist designing the artwork for the PainFree Treatment Room, has met several times with the Hansons. Her artwork includes june bugs and butterflies, things of nature that Christine loved, and tie-dyed wings for some of the butterflies, in reference to Peter Hanson's love of the Grateful Dead.

The Hanson Family is continuing to raise funds through the Christine Hanson Memorial Fund for PainFree Pediatrics, focusing on items on a "PainFree Pediatrics Wish List" such as distraction toys, tools and equipment.