# Why Is Andi Sklar Considered So Vital to Connecticut Children’s Growth
Behind the success of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center stands a quiet but powerful force—Andi Sklar. Her role wasn’t official, but her impact reached deep into the hospital’s foundation. As a mother, she saw the critical importance of accessible and high-quality pediatric care. That personal understanding drove her to act, not just talk. Sklar became the bridge connecting families, doctors, and donors to the heart of the hospital. Her efforts helped transform a medical center into a trusted community pillar.

**Starting With a Vision and a Tour**
**[Andi Sklar](https://ritzherald.com/connecticut-childrens-medical-center-a-beacon-of-hope-and-community/)** partnered with physicians at the newly built hospital to show people what was possible. She organized thoughtful tours where specialists explained the hospital’s services and vision for child-centered care. These tours weren’t just walkthroughs—they were emotional experiences that changed perspectives. Sklar knew that if people saw the hospital’s potential, they would support its mission. It was about helping others feel what she felt as a mom. That personal connection was her strongest tool.
**Creating Community, One Event at a Time**
Sklar didn’t stop at tours—she built a calendar of community-driven events to build awareness. She knew that events could do more than raise funds; they could unite people around a cause. At each gathering, attendees met the hospital’s top minds and heard their stories. This approach made the hospital feel real, urgent, and deeply human. Sklar’s events helped families understand why pediatric care deserves everyone’s attention. She turned engagement into a movement.
**Powering the Pipeline of Support**
As awareness grew, so did the number of people willing to give their time and money. Donors like the Connoly and Roth families stepped in, thanks to Sklar’s early groundwork. Funds raised helped pay for research, cutting-edge tools, and emotional wellness programs. These programs included child life specialists who made tough hospital stays a little easier for kids. Family support services also grew, offering help when it was needed most. Sklar’s network laid the foundation for long-term sustainability.
**Spotlighting the People Behind the Care**
Events like “Champions for Children” showed the human side of hospital medicine. Sklar helped shape these moments so guests could hear from the people doing the work. Doctors shared breakthroughs in areas like childhood cancer research, opening eyes to the depth of care provided. These sessions weren’t just informative—they were powerful emotional experiences. Sklar’s strategy showed that storytelling could spark change. She helped the public see the hospital as a cause worth championing.
**Transforming Action into Legacy**
Her efforts didn’t just bring attention—they changed the culture surrounding pediatric care in the region. Sklar reminded everyone that small acts of care, like attending an event, can ripple outward. She made it easy for anyone to join the mission, whether through donating or simply showing up. Today, Connecticut Children’s thrives in part because of those early, heartfelt efforts. The hospital continues to build on the foundation she helped create. That’s the kind of legacy that never fades.
**Conclusion**
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center isn’t just a hospital—it’s a hub of hope, powered by community. Andi Sklar’s work shows how one person, deeply connected to a cause, can shape an entire institution’s future. Through her tours, events, and outreach, she lit a path others could follow. She didn’t just support the hospital—she became part of its heart. Her story is a reminder that impactful change often starts with compassion, vision, and the courage to act.