The Periwinkle Foundation

The mission of the Periwinkle Arts in Medicine (PAIM) program at Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center (TCH) is to provide enjoyable and educational art activities that give children, young adults, families, and caregivers affected by pediatric cancer and blood disorders the opportunity for self-expression, empowerment, and healing through the arts. Established in 1997, the Arts in Medicine program at TCH is integral to the Center's commitment to providing comprehensive care in a child-centered environment that meets patients' emotional, social, educational, and medical needs.See Schedule OThrough partnerships with more than 10 local artists and arts organizations, PAIM connects the community's vibrant arts scene with patients and their families who are enduring hours, if not days, weeks, or months of a grueling hospital routine to provide daily opportunities for art experiences in the outpatient clinic, the inpatient unit, and the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at bedside. Through expanded partnerships, PAIM has begun programming at all four TCH Centers in Texas: Houston Main Campus, Katy West Campus, The Woodlands Campus, and the Vannie Cook Children's Cancer Clinic in McAllen. The Periwinkle Arts in Medicine Program had 6,765 patient contacts in 2024.

Camp Periwinkle - Since 1983, The Periwinkle Foundation, celebrating its 42nd Anniversary, has provided a week-long camp for children with cancer and blood disorders, as well as their siblings. Periwinkle brought 134 campers, ages 7 to 15, to Camp Periwinkle in 2024. Campers came from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Many would not have the means to attend a summer camp even if they were well. Periwinkle provides clothing, bedding, and toiletries for any camper in need. Sad faces turned bright in a week packed with a month's worth of amazing experiences. With the help of more than 86 enthusiastic volunteers, cancer was forgotten, children realized they were not alone in their circumstances, siblings felt loved, and parents had an entire week to address their emotional healing.