Bob is many things - a husband, retired successful business man, traveler and an active philanthropist for Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach. Bob can often be found at philanthropic events benefiting Miller Children's, such as Dancing For Our Stars. But Bob will tell you that one of the most rewarding "day jobs" he's ever had is serving as "Grandpa Bob" to as many as 10 patients per visit to Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach.

Miller Children's Grandparents Program is a unique program where volunteer "grandparents" visit and spend time with children who are in the hospital. These "grandparents" step in to color, play board games or just talk with children such as Paul, 2, and Jonathon, 13 (pictured) who may be bored or feel a little isolated in the hospital. Volunteer grandparents are considered an extended part of the Child Life team, comforting patients wherever they are needed.

Grandpa Bob spends 20 hours a week in the hospital to help relieve a child's fear, lessen their anxieties and provide comfort to them when their parents may have had to step out of the hospital for a while. Grandparents even engage with the patient and visiting family members in a lively board game. "There is nothing I would rather do than help these children," says Grandpa Bob. "People always say that I am helping the kids, but really they are the ones who help me."

Volunteer grandparents wear special aprons that are painted by the patients they frequently visit and wear a volunteer ID badge, so parents and families can always identify them. The Grandparents and Child Life Programs rely on philanthropic support to grow the program and expandthe essential supportive care to even more patients and families. For more information on the Volunteer Grandparents Program or to find out how you can help support this very important program contact the Child Life Manager.