Photo courtesy Britney Trachtenberg
By Brooklyn Star Staff
Last Thursday, Maimonides Cancer Center brightened up its patients’ holiday season by welcoming children, families, and their medical care teams for a party. Now in the 13th year of this tradition, the bash included a photo booth, a face painter, and a performance by Looney Louie the clown. Also present were sixth- and seventh-grade Girl Scouts from Dyker Heights and Gravesend, who served delicious food, and firetrucks from FDNY Engine 241/Ladder Co. 109 in Bay Ridge.
“Our holiday party serves as a true example of the family-centered care we provide,” said Dr. Ludovico Guarini, MD, Chief, Pediatric Hematology & Oncology at Maimonides Health. “Patients and their families are at the heart of the celebration. Clinical staff members attended the event to bring more than just medical care—they embraced each child, parent, and caregiver with compassion and support. We hope this event reminds families that, even in difficult times, they are never alone.”
True to festive form, gifts were involved. Back in November, patients sent in wish lists worth up to $100, which Maimonides staff and the nonprofit Toys for Hospitalized Children generously fulfilled by donating toys and other items. During the event, Santa made an appearance to distribute the presents.
Photo courtesy Britney Trachtenberg
“Through this event, young people and families can experience the magic of the holiday season,” said Shari Feinberg, Nurse Practitioner and Team Leader of the Hematology/Oncology Team at Maimonides Health, who praised the high degree of involvement on the part of hospital employees and community members. “This holiday party would not have been possible without the generosity of the Girl Scouts, who volunteered their time to serve food, and Maimonides Health clinical staff, who donated toys and gifts to fulfill kids’ holiday wishes.”
