Bringing purposeful play to patients: Lucy Raab receives Child Life Distinguished Service Award

Although Lucy Raab holds a leadership role as Assistant Director of Child Life, you’re just as likely to find her squishing shaving cream with a patient during a difficult procedure or planning an elaborate Taylor Swift-themed birthday party as you are to catch her at her desk. For more than 25 years, Lucy’s heart has been invested in making the health care experience less stressful – and even fun! – for children.

Because of her tireless dedication to the Child Life profession, Lucy received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award at the International Association for Child Life Professionals conference in May. This award is the highest honor presented by the organization and recognizes one exceptional member each year for their outstanding contributions to the field.  

A name synonymous with service

“When I think of Child Life, I think of Lucy,” said Lauren Licata, CCLS, Child Life Specialist II.   Other colleagues shared how her teaching and leadership expertise had impacted their work. “Lucy has supported thousands of patients and families and has mentored and inspired an equal number of students and coworkers,” said Stacey Koenig, MS, CCLS, Senior Director of Patient and Family Services. “Lucy has provided and promoted Emotional Safety throughout her career, well before it had the name and initiative it does today.”

Lucy is known for preaching what she calls The Big Three: “Normalize, mobilize and socialize!” This pathway to patient comfort and security has inspired other Child Life professionals throughout the nation and around the world.

Visionary leadership in Emotional Safety

In addition to countless hours at the bedside and in the playroom with patients, Lucy had a key role in creating and implementing the Comfort Promise initiative for needle procedures. She put this vision into action during the pandemic by finding ways to incorporate all four Emotional Safety Pillars into our large-scale mass vaccination clinics, including dedicated clinics for children with sensory needs and autism.

“Lucy is a role model to others, regularly demonstrating grace, patience and integrity,” said Barbie Rudder, MA, CCLS, Child Life Manager. “She is a visionary. A practical visionary. She is skilled at helping her team and coworkers see that being at their best helps the hospital be at its best, thereby making each patient and family experience the best it can be.” Lucy has translated her knowledge into a number of professional contributions to the Association for Child Life Professionals and has many publications, presentations and professional accolades under her belt.

But above all, it is her passion for play and joyful connection with children that are the hallmark of her distinguished career. Congratulations, Lucy, on your award and your ongoing service to Children’s Mercy!