GO Karts are portable, medical-grade gaming systems designed to provide entertainment, distraction and therapeutic play for children undergoing medical treatments in hospitals. These innovative kiosks are equipped with gaming consoles, adaptable controllers and a wide range of age-appropriate games, offering an engaging escape from the stresses of hospitalization. The karts are easy to move and set up, allowing hospital staff to bring moments of joy and connection directly to pediatric patients in their rooms or treatment areas.

“This donation is a game-changer for our pediatric patients,” said Tondra Polly, PMC Director of Women and Children’s Services. “The GO Karts offer essential moments of joy and distraction, which are crucial for the healing process. We are deeply grateful to the Gamers Outreach Foundation and the KFC Foundation for their generosity and dedication to enhancing pediatric care in our community.”

Beyond their entertainment value, GO Karts serve as valuable tools for healing, providing children with a sense of normalcy and fun during their medical journey. They help reduce anxiety, alleviate boredom and foster social interaction, all of which contribute to the well-being of young patients. Designed to be safe, durable and easy to use, the GO Karts are a meaningful addition to pediatric care, enhancing the overall hospital experience for children and their families.

Gamers Outreach is working to provide gaming as a therapeutic resource for hospitalized children across the nation. With a shared commitment to supporting pediatric care, the KFC Foundation has partnered with Gamers Outreach to make this generous donation to Mettu Children’s Hospital a reality.

“Our GO Kart program is only possible because of incredible supporters like the KFC Foundation, who are helping to make video gaming accessible to hospitalized children,” said Edwin Nolasco, Marketing Director for Gamers Outreach. “This partnership allows us to offer a sense of normalcy and joy for children who need it most.”

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of the Gamers Outreach Foundation and the KFC Foundation to support rural healthcare providers, enhancing access to children in Eastern Kentucky to the same compassionate care and innovative therapies available in larger cities.

“We are thrilled to partner with Gamers Outreach to bring GO Karts to Mettu Children’s Hospital,” said Emma Horn, Executive Director of the KFC Foundation. “This initiative brings moments of joy and relief for children and families during challenging times, and we are proud to support the Pikeville community in this meaningful way.”

The Mettu Children’s Hospital at Pikeville Medical Center continues to provide exceptional pediatric care to families in the region. With the addition of the GO Karts, the hospital strengthens its mission of healing, comfort, and compassion.

For more information about the Mettu Children’s Hospital or the impact of this donation, please contact the PMC Foundation at (606) 430-3515

This initiative is a beautiful and thoughtful way to support families during one of the most challenging experiences they may face—the stay of their newborns in the NICU. The initiative provides much-needed relief and comfort by offering care bags filled with essential items. This practical assistance helps alleviate some of the daily stresses accompanying such a difficult journey, allowing parents to focus on their infant’s care without worrying about the little things.

The NICU Family Support Initiative aims to offer families practical assistance and emotional comfort during this stressful and uncertain time. Through the generous support of the Little Giraffe Foundation, the initiative will provide essential family care bags filled with critical items that will help alleviate some of the daily challenges of NICU life.

Amanda Santoro, President and co-founder of the Little Giraffe Foundation, expressed her excitement about supporting the PMC Foundation’s efforts: “We are pleased to support Pikeville Medical Center in its efforts to improve the lives of sick children and their families. This grant represents hope for families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of caring for their newborns in the NICU.”

Donovan Blackburn, President and CEO of Pikeville Medical Center, spoke to the significant barriers many families face in Eastern Kentucky. “At Pikeville Medical Center, we believe that every family deserves to be supported and empowered during their NICU journey,” said Donovan Blackburn. “We are thrilled to provide resources that help families feel cared for and focused on what matters most—their child’s recovery and growth.”

The NICU Family Support Initiative is just one of the ways PMC continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to families in the region. The grant from the Little Giraffe Foundation will significantly enhance the support offered to NICU families in Eastern Kentucky, helping them navigate this challenging chapter with more peace of mind and resources,

For more information about this initiative or to learn more about the Foundation’s efforts to support NICU families, call or email VP of Grant Development Lisa Kendrick at (606) 213-5723 or lisa.kendrick@pikevillehospital.org

PMC’s Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Center was born out of a commitment to address the geographical barriers and economic strains faced by families seeking critical therapy services for their children. In response to these challenges, PMC embarked on an ambitious expansion project in 2021 within PMC’s Physical Rehabilitation. The results can be seen in enhanced outpatient therapy services for children throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Establishing the multi-sensory stimulation area significantly advances therapeutic care for pediatric patients. This innovative space will be designed to provide a holistic approach to therapy tailored to the unique needs of each child. By creating a calming environment during therapy sessions, the multi-sensory stimulation area promotes patient satisfaction, smoother transitions, and the development of self-regulation techniques, ultimately expanding children’s attention spans. Moreover, the area catalyzes social interaction, communication, motor control, coordination and physical exercise, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of pediatric patients.

“This grant from Kosair for Kids represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and accessible care to children in Eastern Kentucky,” stated Donovan Blackburn, PMC Chairman, President and CEO. “The multi-sensory stimulation area underscores PMC’s commitment to nurturing the growth and development of pediatric therapy services within our community.”

AS PMC continues to prioritize this initiative and enhance pediatric services in Eastern Kentucky, the establishment of the multi-sensory stimulation area within the Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Center at PMC marks a crucial step toward comprehensive, holistic and accessible care for pediatric patients in the region. PMC remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing pediatric therapy services and improving the lives of children throughout the region. With this bold initiative, PMC continues to set a new standard of excellence in pediatric therapy, inspiring hope and transforming lives.