TidalHealth launches Brooke’s Toy Closet at Atlantic General Hospital in memory of Brooke Mulford

BERLIN, Md. – The TidalHealth Foundation inaugurated Brooke’s Toy Closet at Atlantic General Hospital, marking the opening with a groundbreaking ceremony, the fourth in the initiative.

The closet honors Brooke Mulford, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2009. After her passing in June 2017, her dream to bring joy into the hospital experience through toys has become a reality.

Since Brooke has passed away, there is nothing that brings my heart more joy than when her legacy is honored in a way such as this,” said her mother Amy Mulford McGladdery. “When she had the idea to do the toy closet, it was to give kids a distraction to help them make that time a little less scary for them.”

TidalHealth in Salisbury, MD, and Seaford, Del. have toy closets. There is also a closet in New Jersey. TidalHealth Foundation President, Jessica Hales, said the toy closet is powered by community involvement. “This initiative is completely funded by community donors.”

Donations are gathered through things such as a bring a toy to work day or families who have previously borrowed from the toy closet. – Coming back to return the favor.

Amy loves being able to share her daughters story.”For me, to know she is going to always be remembered, like hospitals and people who come into the hospitals. They are going to see Brooke’s picture and the toy closet, and will be inspired with how she lived her life.”