Rock To Beat Pediatric Cancer

(L.-R.) Tara Schmitt, Founder of Charlie’s Champions Foundation; Glenn Schifano, Music Therapist at Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK); and Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager of the CCFK. “Rock 2 Beat Pediatric Cancer,” the first Annual Creative Arts Therapy Dinner to benefit the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital, brought more than 200 pediatric cancer patients, families and friends together on September 17 at the New Hyde Park Inn in New Hyde Park for a night of music, dining and dance. The event was a great success, raising more than $30,000 for the CCFK’s Creative Arts Therapy Program which helps patients and families cope with diagnosis and treatment through the arts and the universal language of music.

CCFK Music Therapist Glenn Schifano and His Boy Elroy Band created an exciting musical program, igniting the event’s “Rock” festivities with their signature style. The Band was accompanied by CCFK patients like Charlie Schmitt, who performed on guitar, and inspired guests with their stirring rendition of Queens “We Are the Champions.” Songstress Tara Schmitt of Charlie’s Champions Foundation covered two Bob Dylan songs and brought the crowd to its feet when she joined her son for their compelling finale.

Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, and Director of the Cancer Center for Kids, praised the children’s courage and resilience, and warmly acknowledged guests’ friendship and philanthropy. CCFK Practice Manager Linda Sweeney gave rave reviews to the event’s youngest performers. “They are the real stars of the evening,” she said.

The Cancer Center for Kids, part of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop-University Hospital, is Nassau County’s largest outpatient facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders. For more information about the Creative Arts Therapy Program at the CCFK, visit the Center’s website at www.winthrop.org/cck, or call Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager, at (516) 663-9400.