We want to impact children’s lives

Melanie and Dan Redding, both in their 40s, say they are in the stage of life where they would like to make the largest impact on the most people and have planned in their will to support the Child Life program at Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Melanie, a former Child Life manager, says children and the Niswonger Children’s Hospital have always been near and dear to her heart.

Dan has a 20-year banking career and understands the importance for planning ahead. He says no matter what stage of life you are in, you need to have a plan that can grow with you and honors your wishes.

Melanie, whose father passed away when she was in college, saw how his planning allowed her and her two sisters to receive a college education along with financial stability, thanks to his foresight.

Melanie and Dan, who live in Morristown, Tenn., have no children of their own — just ten nieces and nephews whom they adore. They want to ensure that their gift is to an organization that addresses the needs of children in our area, and there is no better place than Niswonger Children’s Hospital.

Melanie majored in child and family studies, and half of her career has been working with children and their families in a pediatric healthcare setting. Through her work in the field of Child Life, she saw firsthand the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of children during healthcare experiences. “Healthcare can be traumatic for children and their families, and this is the reason we want to give to the Child Life program to ensure that the services continue into the future.”