In a major philanthropic commitment focused on pediatric care, the Why Not You Foundation, established by professional football quarterback Russell Wilson and Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara, has announced a substantial $3 million gift to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital in New York. The donation is specifically earmarked for creating and enhancing therapeutic spaces aimed at supporting the physical and emotional well-being of pediatric patients and their families during hospital stays.

The multi-million dollar commitment aligns with the foundation’s central mission to motivate change and empower children and their families worldwide. The funds will be dedicated to developing specialized areas within the hospital designed for non-medical interactions and respite, including dedicated playrooms, private family lounges, and spaces for counseling and emotional support services. These therapeutic environments are recognized by health experts as critical components of the healing process, fostering a sense of normalization and reducing anxiety for children facing serious illnesses.

Wilson, whose professional career has often coincided with high-profile charitable work, and Ciara, a long-time advocate for children’s health initiatives, emphasized the necessity of supporting families navigating complex medical challenges in major metropolitan areas like New York.

"Children are the heartbeat of our future, and every child deserves a safe, comforting place to heal and grow," Russell Wilson stated through the foundation. "This investment at Mount Sinai is about more than just medical care; it’s about providing joy, hope, and critical support services to patients and their parents during the most difficult times. We believe in the mission of the Kravis Children’s Hospital to treat the whole patient."

Ciara echoed the sentiment, focusing on the necessary parental support. "As parents, our greatest wish is for our children's health. We understand the immense strain that long hospital stays place on families, both financially and emotionally," she noted. "We want these therapeutic spaces to be an oasis—a place where a child can simply be a kid, and where a parent can find a crucial moment of peace and respite while their child receives care."

Hospital officials confirmed that the donation represents one of the largest gifts designated specifically for enhancing patient and family experience services at the Kravis Children’s Hospital in recent history. The leadership expressed profound gratitude for the foundation’s vision and generosity.

"This transformative $3 million gift from the Why Not You Foundation will allow us to reimagine our therapeutic environments in ways that directly impact our patient community," said Dr. Joan Matthews, Chief of Pediatric Services at Mount Sinai. "The support will be instrumental in creating truly healing spaces that address the full spectrum of a child's needs, moving beyond clinical treatment to emotional and social recovery. We are deeply thankful to Russell Wilson and Ciara for championing this crucial cause."

The donation continues the couple's pattern of expanding their philanthropic footprint across various sectors, often prioritizing health care and education in communities that face resource disparities. Their commitment reflects a consistent effort among high-profile Black figures to leverage their influence and resources for impactful change, ensuring institutions like Mount Sinai can continue to offer comprehensive care. The funds are expected to be deployed over the next two years, with the hospital planning to officially dedicate the new spaces in recognition of the foundation’s substantial contribution.