Miracle Foundation Makes Second Grant of $50,000

(l.-r.) Joseph Castronovo, president of the Miracle Foundation, and Patty Tenaglia, co-founder of the Foundation, present a check for $50,000 to Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Director of Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids. Joining them are Nicole Pearl, Certified Child Life Specialist at the Cancer Center for Kids and Miracle Foundation director Kate Debold.

The Cancer Center for Kids (CCK) at Winthrop-University Hospital recently received a grant for $50,000 from the Miracle Foundation, in support of the Center's continuous efforts to address the psychosocial concerns experienced by young cancer patients and their families. The grant is the second of its kind from the Miracle Foundation, which awarded the Cancer Center for Kids $50,000 in February 2006 as well.

The Miracle Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those diagnosed with cancer and to finding a cure for this disease. The Foundation's mission aims to improve patient care, increase cancer awareness and fund worthy scientific research.

"As the Center's Certified Child Life Specialist, I provide therapeutic play experience and developmentally appropriate information to minimize the trauma and stress that is often associated with illness and hospitalization," explained Nicole Pearl, MS, CCLS. "I also work with the children's parents to help families cope with the many anxieties before, during and after the treatment process."

The Miracle Foundation presents a check for $50,000 to Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop-University Hospital and Director of the Hospital's Cancer Center for Kids (center). Pictured with Dr. Weinblatt are (l.-r.) Kate Debold, Director of the Miracle Foundation; Miracle Foundation board member John Kiffel, co-founder Patty Tenaglia and president Joseph Castronovo; Linda Sweeney, Manager of the Cancer Center for Kids; Nicole Pearl, Certified Child Life Specialist, Cancer Center for Kids; and Miracle Foundation Board members Frank Segarra and Steve Chmil.

"Interacting with a Child Life Specialist makes an overwhelming difference for the Center's patients, particularly in how they are able to cope with illness," said Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager at the Cancer Center for Kids. "We are so grateful that the Miracle Foundation has chosen to support the Cancer Center for Kids. The work of the Foundation is sure to help many patients, as their generous grant enables our staff to continue providing the crucial support that the children deserve."

Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, part of the Hospital's Division of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology, is a state-of-the-science facility where children are given the best possible chance of recovery and cure through superior medical care, constant nurturing and unconditional support in an environment that promotes healing. For more information about the Cancer Center for Kids, please call (516) 663-9409.