Only the - Cook Children's

Patients as partners for change
As Cook Children’s grows, we continue to make changes and improvements to better
serve our families. And, what better way to improve than by listening to our own patients—
they have stayed in the medical center, experienced our staff and programs and now are
voicing ideas that could make Cook Children’s even better.
The Youth Advisory Council-Patients Advising for Change
(YAC-PAC) is a council made up of 22 youth ranging in age
from 13 to 18 who have been or are currently Cook Children’s
patients. Working with administration, medical center staff
and other professionals, YAC-PAC members use their own
experiences and perspectives to help us ensure patients and
their families receive the care and programs they deserve.
The youth participating in the YAC-PAC is a diverse group,
including kids with a variety of diseases. To become a member,
they are nominated by a Cook Children’s staff member and are
chosen based on their leadership qualities, demonstration of
responsible behavior, ability to communicate their experience and
make recommendations to achieve further excellence in care.
“I love being a part of the YAC-PAC group,” said YAC-PAC
member Grace Woodruff. “It is such a rewarding experience to
see how my input affects lives. I am learning different aspects
of caring for sick children and their families. The fun, loving and
encouraging environment creates such a great place to build
character and show compassion for other kids around me.”
“YAC-PAC gives me chance to not only help myself by
socializing with other teens just like me, but also gives me
the opportunity to help other kids in return,” said YAC-PAC
member Molly Elam. “It lets me know that just because one
thing bad happens to you, doesn’t mean that something good
isn’t on its way.”
Primarily, the YAC-PAC works to develop and improve patient
14 Children’s Promise | The magazine of Cook Children’s