BROOKLYN, NY – On Thursday, Dec. 14, patients, families, doctors, nurses, and other care team members came together for Maimonides Cancer Center’s Pediatric Hematology Oncology Holiday Party.
Current and former hematology oncology, chronic blood disorder, and chronic infusion patients attended as the event’s guests of honor, enjoying entertainment, games, treats, and personalized gifts. Every patient, from age 1 to 22, submitted a wish list for Santa. Thanks to the generosity of multiple community partners and Maimonides Medical Center team members, every wish list was fulfilled.
Toys were donated by members of Maimonides Medical Center staff; Toys for Hospitalized Children; Hearts Connected; Bristol Myers Squibb; and members of Shields Health Solutions staff, as well as other supporters. Cancer Center patient Briana Calin also organized a toy drive called “Operation: Distract the Kids” at Brooklyn’s Midwood High School, where she is currently a student.
First held in 2012, the annual celebration is significant to Maimonides Children’s Hospital’s philosophy of care. Aside from addressing illness through cutting-edge clinical care, our whole-child, whole-family approach means also taking care of the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our patients.
As the only member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) in Brooklyn, Maimonides Children’s Hospital is the best place for pediatric cancer care in Brooklyn. COG is a National Cancer Institute-supported clinical trials group and the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research.
“Our patients and their families show immense bravery and strength while facing incredible difficulties so early in their lives,” said Shari Feinberg, Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Maimonides Children’s Hospital. “It is an honor to be a part of this team and to be able to help them on their road to recovery, and it is a joy to be part of efforts like these that help them smile, celebrate their fight, and find community along the way.”
“This yearly tradition is incredibly important to our patients and to our team,” said Ludovico Guarini, MD, Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Maimonides Children’s Hospital. “It is an opportunity for current patients, survivors, and families to experience the joy of the holidays together, with others who understand their challenges and unique situation. This event embodies the spirit of our practice and our approach to care.”
“Every year, our clinical team and Child Life Team work hard to bring this event to our patients,” said Jeffrey Avner, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Maimonides Children’s Hospital. “Not only do they provide the best pediatric hematology and oncology care every single day, but the bonds they form with each patient and family are essential to their journeys to recovery. We also thank our generous community partners who support both this event and the excellent patient care we strive to deliver at all times.”
For Photos: https://maimo.pixieset.com/pediatrichemoncholidaypartyformedia121423/
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About Maimonides Health
Maimonides Health is Brooklyn’s largest healthcare system, serving over 350,000 patients each year through the system’s 3 hospitals, 2,000+ physicians and more than 80 community-based practices and outpatient centers. The system is anchored by Maimonides Medical Center, one of the nation’ largest independent teaching hospitals and home to centers of excellence in numerous specialties and Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital (formerly New York Community Hospital), a 130-bed adult medical-surgical hospital; and Maimonides Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn’s only children’s hospital and only pediatric trauma center. Maimonides’ clinical programs rank among the best in the country for patient outcomes, including its Heart and Vascular Institute, Neurosciences Institute, Bone and Joint Center, and Cancer Center. Maimonides is an affiliate of Northwell Health and a major clinical training site for SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. For additional information, please visit maimo.org.
About the Maimonides Children’s Hospital
Maimonides Children’s Hospital, Brooklyn’s only Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Trauma Center, offers a full array of pediatric primary care and specialty services. Our staff is comprised of an outstanding team of board-certified pediatric physicians, surgeons, nurses, nurse practitioners, and child life specialists who dedicate their lives to the health and well-being of children. Our team of pediatric specialists collaborate with the team to ensure each child receives the expertise and best care possible in an environment created and designed for their comfort. For additional information, please visit maimo.org/treatments-care/childrens-hospital/.
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