Connecticut Children’s Tower Crane Name Revealed!

Cali was inpatient when she submitted the winning name, Clifford the BIG Red Crane. It is a great name! Our team members agreed voting for it more than 260 times!?

This week, Bob Duncan, EVP & COO and Christine Tatem, Manager, Child Life, met with Cali to personally thank her for her submission. Cali also took a few moments to speak with us about what inspired the name and her thoughts on the new tower and what it means for Connecticut Children’s. You can read her interview below.?

1) What was your inspiration for the name??

I had watched every movie on the Connecticut Children’s TV, except Clifford and Winnie the Pooh. I was restless and struggling with bedrest, so my nurse suggested I watch Clifford. I missed my own dog so I turned it on for a distraction. While watching, I thought of the name, Clifford the Big Red Crane, because another nurse had mentioned that the crane was the tallest crane in CT, and it was red! Not to mention, the unconditional love and care that Emily gave to Clifford reminded me a lot of the care that Connecticut Children’s provides to its patients and families.?

2) How did you learn about the contest??

Stacy (Child Life) knew I loved coloring from my previous stays at CCMC and dropped off a Name/Color the Crane sheet when I was on MS6 in June!

3) What is your reaction to winning the contest?

I was so surprised but of course, excited! The Name the Crane contest was easily one of the highlight’s of my admission, I had fun brainstorming and hearing the creative names nurses and patients were coming up with.

When I received the email, I happened to be with the other QTHON directors learning about best practices for raising funds and awareness for Connecticut Children’s, so it felt full-circle and bittersweet <3?

4) What’re your thoughts on our new tower and what it will mean for Connecticut Children’s patients?

The tower opening in 2025 is going to be a huge advancement and advantage for the current and future patients of Connecticut Children’s. The new technology and expanded units means that families that currently have to travel out of state for care, will be able to stay closer to home. The care that Connecticut Children’s provides is unlike any other hospital and families in CT are privileged to have access to life-saving care close to home.

5) Is there anything else you would like to share??

Thank you to everyone who put this contest together! Also, I would love to give a special shoutout to Dr. Bennett and the staff on MS6 — Dr. Haya, Dr. Hogan, Dr. Crowley, Jill (NP), Alyssa B (RN), and Dani (RN) for all they do for me and every other kiddo :) And of course, a huge thank you to all the Child Life specialists that makes admissions less scary for families <3?