3/02/2026
CHRISTUS Health is celebrating National Child Life Month by recognizing the meaningful impact child life specialists have on the hospital’s youngest patients.
Child life specialists play a crucial role in helping children cope with the anxiety and fear associated with medical treatment. Through therapeutic play and appropriate age education, they create a safe and comforting environment where pediatric patients can express their emotions and better understand their care.
Gracelynn Flannery, an 8-year-old patient, recently experienced firsthand the important role CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Elizabeth’s child life specialists play in a child’s hospital journey.
“Gracelynn had a severe urinary tract infection and was too scared to swallow her antibiotics,” said Donald Flannery, Gracelynn’s father. “We brought her to CHRISTUS – St. Elizabeth as her condition worsened. Morgan was essential in helping our daughter learn to bravely swallow her medication.”
Morgan Cornelious, child life specialist at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System, said this was the first time she assisted a child with learning to swallow medication at the hospital.
“Swallowing pills can be scary for children, so it’s important to teach the skill in a fun and supportive way,” Cornelious said. “I used different-sized candies, starting with a sprinkle and then we worked our way up to a Mike and Ike, to help Gracelynn practice swallowing. This approach not only eases a child’s fear but also empowers them to take an active role in their health care journey.”
She said Gracelynn successfully learned to swallow her antibiotics and was discharged four days early.
Philanthropic support is vital to sustaining and expanding the child life program at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. Materials and program expenses are funded through Children’s Miracle Network.
“Morgan assists in a multitude of ways in the emergency department, NICU and pediatrics through various tests and procedures,” said Caralee Thompson, program manager for Children’s Miracle Network. “By supporting the child life program, donors help ensure these valuable services remain available, making a significant difference in the lives of young patients and their families.”
