The One Friend They Miss the Most: The Impact of Pet Interactions on Pediatric Experience
Published June 5, 2025
When his son, Brayden, passed away due to complications from a congenital heart defect, John Otten harnessed the power of his grief into action and founded Brave Like Me. Listen in as he and Amy Cielak, board member, discuss the profound impact an interaction with a pet can have on a patient, and how they hope to bring that experience to more and more children across the country.
Related content
-
Culture & Leadership | Patient Family & Community Engagement | Staff & Provider Engagement
A System-Wide Transformation in Human Experience at NSW Health
Published August 19, 2025
Complimentary – Join Anne Marie Hadley, Chief eXperience Officer at NSW Health, for an inspiring conversation. Four years ago, we set out on a bold journey with consumers, carers, families, staff and volunteers to co-create Elevating the Human Experience, a unifying vision that placed kindness, dignity, and compassion at the heart of healthcare across NSW
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
PFAC Series – PX Chat: Starting a PFAC
Published October 1, 2025
12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT – Learn the foundational steps to create a strong and effective PFAC, from defining purpose and recruiting members to setting up structures for meaningful collaboration. Join us for a three-part interactive virtual series designed to help healthcare organizations start, strengthen, and sustain Patient and Family
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
Beyond a Seat at the Table: Building the Infrastructure for True Patient and Family Partnership
Published February 25, 2026
Darcel Jackson, Manager, Patient and Family Centered Care Paige Warner, PFA Engagement Specialist Children’s National Hospital For years, patient and family engagement in healthcare has been framed as offering “a seat at the table.” While well-intended, that language often limits partnership to presence rather than influence. Our experience taught us that families don’t need a
Learn more
Ask questions, share insights and connect with other experience leaders.
PX ConnectBecome a member for access to this resource and more:
- Live and On-demand Webinars and Connection Calls
- PX Papers, Case Studies and Research Reports
- PX Connect Online Community
- Discounts on Learning Programs and Events
Become a member for access to this resource and more:
- Live and On-demand Webinars and Connection Calls
- PX Papers, Case Studies and Research Reports
- PX Connect Online Community
- Discounts on Learning Programs and Events
The One Friend They Miss the Most: The Impact of Pet Interactions on Pediatric Experience