Representatives of the Miracle Foundation recently visited the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital to present a check for $50,000 to Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop and Director of the Hospital's Cancer Center for Kids (center). Pictured with Dr. Weinblatt are (l.-r.) Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager, CCFK; Joseph Castronovo, president of the Miracle Foundation; Patty Tenaglia, co-founder of the Miracle Foundation; Nicole Pearl, Certified Child Life Specialist; Miracle Foundation director Kate Debold; and Glenn Schifano, creative arts therapist. The Miracle Foundation recently presented a check for $50,000 to the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital. This gift is the third from the Miracle Foundation in support of the Center's continuous efforts to address the psychosocial needs of young cancer patients and their families, and brings the Foundation's total contributions to the Child Life Program to $150,000.

Winthrop's Child Life Program, through which certified Child Life Specialists utilize supervised play and education to improve the understanding of medical procedures; teach relaxation techniques to help the patients cope with illness or surgery; and provide emotional support for the entire family is available to patients who are hospitalized at Winthrop and to those who receive treatment at the Cancer Center for Kids.

"Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids is truly a special place. Among the things that make it so special is its comprehensive psychosocial support team which includes Certified Child Life Specialists who work diligently to address the cognitive, emotional and physical needs of young cancer patients," said Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager at the Cancer Center for Kids. "The generosity of the Miracle Foundation has enabled the Cancer Center for Kids staff to continue to provide vital support to each and every patient."

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

Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids 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) 663-9400.