Buddies Program

The BUDDIES Program matches a student volunteer one-on-one with a chronically ill child for a long-term, "big-brother/big-sister" relationship. The volunteers provide emotional support and companionship for the children through visits to the medical center and fun field trips and parties. This relationship not only benefits the patients, but also provides an opportunity for pre-medical students to gain insight into how chronic illness affects children and their families and to observe various medical treatments first-hand.

Columbia's brand new chapter of BUDDIES is looking for dedicated students to volunteer in the Pediatric Oncology Department at Columbia Presbyterian. Ideas for helping shape the program are always welcome!

If you want to learn more about this program please contact Lianna at ljh2019@columbia.edu.