Summer 2006 Newsletter Jun 1, 2006

The goal of the LITE program is to provide the survivors of childhood cancer with the best quality of life
while addressing their individual late effects. Since young survivors may be at risk of developing
complications later in life, the LITE program strives to help meet the needs of these young survivors.
Margaret Masterson, MD, leads the program with a team of nationally recognized healthcare
professionals including physicians, nurses, nutritionists and child-life specialist. This program is part
of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
The LITE Education Night, a cancer survivorship and family night sponsored by The Institute for Children,
was an excellent introduction to the ongoing long-term effects program. On Thursday, June 22 over
100 young survivors and their family members attended the event at The Cancer Institute of New
Jersey. The public was invited to join the event and learn about the programs. The evening was
structured similar to a health fair with exhibits and information available on the following:
- Late effects of cancer therapy
- Neuropsychological testing with Children's Specialized
- Fertility and the effects of cancer therapies
- Cancer survivor's conferences and programs
- Healthy lifestyles and nutrition
- The Lance Armstrong Foundation
- Sharing Village - equestrian program
- Social concerns such as disability and insurance
- Bone health and osteopenia
Florence Carrano, Guest Speaker and Teacher
for TIFC, and Melissa Croce,
Child-Life Specialist
There were many other informational exhibits included in the event as well and two excellent keynote
speakers. Florence Carrano told her personal and extremely moving story of being a former patient.
She is currently working for TIFC as the teacher in the hospital. The children affectionately call her "Ms.
Flo". She has walked a mile in these kids' shoes and really knows how to relate and motivate them.
Mariggela Karatos, MA, is a life coach and she guided the audience through a meditation exercise. She
spoke about positive changes, while addressing the mind, body and spirit.
A Survivor's Story...
Louise attended the LITE Education Night and wanted to share her story
Debbie and Louise Previte
My name is Louise Previte and I am 16 years old. On December 16, 2003, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma
(bone cancer) by having a biopsy done at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) due to pain I was having
in my left leg. I started chemotherapy on December 28, 2003, at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital
at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. I had surgery in March of 2004 and they took most of the bone
from my leg and replaced it with a metal rod. The surgery lasted about 8 hours and I stayed in the hospital
for about 5 days afterwards. My last chemotherapy was on September 14, 2004, so I had it for about 9 months
and have been off treatment for about 2 years.
During this process I spent a lot of time at the children's hospital and got to know and love my nurses well. Of course I have had bad days, but thanks
to the amazing people I have met at the hospital, I have had twenty times more good ones. They helped me get through it, along with family and
friends. You really see how many people you know when you go through an experience like this. This journey has taught me so much, and the love
and compassion I received from my nurses, has fostered my desire to give back by becoming a nurse. I was able to take this experience of having
cancer and really turn the outcome into a positive one. This summer I am attending 2 nursing camps. I attended a nursing camp the week of June
26th and was escorted by an RN to different parts of the hospital. I especially loved the neonatal unit where I was able to hold a newborn baby! I
have another nursing camp to attend this summer and I will be busy in the fall looking for nursing colleges!
guests arrived for a cocktail hour outside the mansion at
Hamilton Farm overlooking the beautiful grounds. The
black tie optional occasion included a delicious surf &
turf dinner prepared by Hamilton Farm's highly skilled
staff. The action began to heat up with the incredible
prizes in the live and silent auctions, and afterwards,
guests moved into the clubhouse for live jazz music and
casino style gaming. It was a truly amazing evening
delighting guests with incredible food and entertainment
and helping to raise significant funds for our programs.
On Monday May 8th, golfers braved surprisingly cool
May temperatures for a day of golf at the top rated
Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, New Jersey for the 6th
Annual Kylie Ann Rosset Memorial Golf Classic. The
Institute for Children has been working closely with the
Kylie Ann Rosset Memorial Foundation to support our
joint mission to increase awareness of childhood
cancer, raise funds for research, and offer assistance
to children and families coping with pediatric cancer.
Golfers played eighteen holes on the demanding
Hollywood Course. The day also featured Arthur Vitale
"Beat the Pro" Challenge, the Bennett Singh Brand
Putting Contest and "hole in one" challenges to win a
car. The evening concluded with an awards dinner and
a silent auction with prizes including highly sought after
golf foursomes, spa packages, and sports tickets. All of
the proceeds were donated to The Institute for
Children. We would like to offer our most sincere
appreciation to the sponsors and participants, and
especially The Kylie Ann Rosset Memorial Foundation
for the incredible support.
The 2006 Monte Carlo Night
May 25, 2006
Hamilton Farm Golf Club - Gladstone, New Jersey
Formerly called Stag Night, the newly renamed Monte Carlo Night
featured all of the exciting action of a real live casino. Following the
David E. Zullo Golf Classic Par Three Sponsors Tournament,
Hamilton Farm Golf Club
The 2006 David E. Zullo Golf Classic
June 19, 2006
Hamilton Farm Golf Club - Gladstone, New Jersey
This past June 19th, 140 golfers were treated to an
incredible day on the links of the prestigious Hamilton
Farm Golf Club, in Gladstone, New Jersey. This year's
outing featured twenty-seven holes on the challenging
Highlands and Hickory courses. One of the great
features of this outing is the addition of nine holes from
the famed Hickory Course, the only USGA rated par three
course in the United States. This extraordinary day of
golf featured breakfast, custom prizes for all of the
golfers, "hole in one" cars, and more. After golfing,
participants were treated to a delicious dinner created
by Chef Bruno, an awards ceremony, and live and silent
auctions featuring incredible prizes. The Institute for
Children would like to extend a special note of thanks to
all of the sponsors and participants who made this
year's outing such an incredible success.
OVER
A
MILLION DOLLARS
IN
DONATIONS
SINCE
1999!
The Rutgers University Dance Marathon, affectionately dubbed the “DM”, has quickly become one of the most
anticipated events held at Rutgers as well as the largest student run philanthropic event in NJ. To date, the Dance
Marathon has donated over a million dollars to The Institute for Children.
This year the event was held on April 1st and 2nd in the Rutgers Gym. This is the 7th year that the students have
danced for 32 hours to raise money for our patient families. The event may only take place for a weekend, but the
planning and organizing is a year-long process. A steering committee comprised of student leaders, spends
hundreds of hours organizing the live music, food, children's entertainment, Adopt-a-Family program and much
more.
Throughout the year the students host canning drives, pancake breakfasts and other smaller events to help reach
their financial goals. They also compose a corporate sponsorship ad journal which contributes to the overall
financial success of the event.
Many of the students get personally involved with the families which helps motivate them and bring them closer to
the cause. The Rutgers students develop personal and life-long relationships with the patient families through a
program called Adopt-a-Family. As you can see by the many smiling faces surrounding this article…there are a lot
of children who benefit from this program. Children can look forward to seeing their new college friends, while
students witness first-hand the hardships of living with cancer or a blood disorder. The culmination of the Adopta-Family program was the family hours which occurred on both Saturday and Sunday of the Dance Marathon. This
year over 50 families attended the event to show their support, and visit the students they have grown to know and
love throughout the year.
The Institute for Children is extremely proud of everyone who contributed to this year's event, and we look forward
to its continued success in 2007!
On April 20, 2006, The Institute for Children (TIFC) had the
pleasure of hosting the Annual Dinner Auction Gala in a new and
refreshing venue, The Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. The event was
held in honor of Harvey A. Holzberg, the former President and
Chief Executive Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital. He graciously accepted this honor and celebrated
with his family and friends at the Dinner Auction event.
The enjoyable evening featured various Silent, Live and General
Auction Items that attendees enjoyed bidding on. Auction items
included: first class tickets and a week of accommodations with
spa services at the Phoenician Resort in AZ, a vacation for two
at any Marriott Resort, a week of accommodations in a
luxurious house in Duck, NC and many more.
Honoree Harvey A. Holzberg, his Wife,
Janice, and his Two Granddaughters
Due to the generosity and kindness of individuals and
corporations the event raised a significant amount of money
for TIFC's programs and services. This is largely credited to
the Dinner Auction Ad Journal which featured tributes from
corporations and individuals. The monies raised through this
event were designated for our PACCT (palliative care
program). This program allows for continuity of care by
bringing the same medical team from the hospital, into the
home (please read more about this program below).
Again, The Institute for Children is grateful to the donors,
attendees, and volunteers. And a special thank you to the
Auction Leadership Team who devoted their time to make this
event so successful. TIFC looks forward to the Auction's
continued success in 2007!
Speaker Karina Kucharski, Teenage Oncology Patient
Sassy's Prom, a PACCT Patient's Story
Sashay Austin, who is affectionately known as "Sassy" is one of TIFC's teenage patients who has spent
a significant amount of time in the hospital. As Sassy's senior prom was approaching, the hospital
staff and her family were concerned that she would not be able to attend due to her condition.
Fortunately, Sassy was able to surprise her friends at the Lawrenceville Senior Prom and attend the
event in a stunning gold dress. Her make-up was flawless and her smile was beautiful. You would
never have guessed that just two hours earlier Sassy was in bed receiving medicine.
This evening was made possible through the PACCT program. One of the nurses involved with Sassy's
treatment, Paulette Forbes, accompanied her to the prom and ensured that she was properly cared
for. The Institute for Children had a professional manicurist and make-up artist pamper Sassy and
then sent her off in a limo. This was such a special gift to give Sassy…time being a teen with her
friends.
Sassy, Heading off to Prom
Mother’s and Father’s Day
Maria Campofiori Having a
Relaxing Massage
TIFC hosted a Mother's Day luncheon and a Father's Day dinner for the caregivers whose
children were in the hospital over those holidays. The events took place in the Family Area of
the hospital in the hematology and oncology unit. This allowed the caregivers to enjoy the
festivities and still be close to their children. For Mother's Day, the women and female patients
were given beautiful flowers and other surprises. For Father's Day, the dads were given
Somerset Patriots tickets to enjoy a baseball game with their families.
Volunteers at both events played classical music while they indulged the parents with professional
massages. At the Mother's Day luncheon, the girls had their hair styled and were given professional manicures. At the Father's
Day dinner, the guys played video games, darts and mini golf, conveniently set up in the hospital hallway. Both events provided the
opportunity for the parents to relax in a calming environment.
Sickle Cell Education Night
Each year our Sickle Cell Education Night is more extraordinary
than the last. This year, on May 18, the attendees walked into the
venue, to view beautiful black & white photos of our sickle cell
patients and some outstanding door prizes. There were
informational tables available on several health and educational
topics including blood donations, education programs, nutritional
snack recipes and more! There were presentations made by
professional medical staff on topics including medication, nutrition, and information on
the transition from being a child to a healthy adult patient.
Amir and Asim just Finished Exploring the
Hands-on Children’s Museum
The children and adults took part in the "Hands-on Children's Museum". They were able
to learn how the body affects a person with sickle cell disease by engaging in interactive
lessons. We look forward to an even bigger and better Sickle Cell Education Night in 2007.
Janai and Atiyah Take a Break from Dinner to
Smile for the Camera. What Beautiful Girls!
Good Luck in College Next Year!
Paula O’Neil Enjoying a Manicure
Karina Kucharski - Villanova
Jordan Rosen - University of Connecticut
Drew Templeton - Rider College
Sibling Recognition Night
On May 23, Social Worker Sue Stephens hosted our first sibling recognition
event. The evening focused on the importance of the sibling as part of the
patient's family and how significant their contributions are to the family. The
siblings were in a comfortable environment where they could ask questions
and participate in different activities. Simultaneously the parents engaged in
a seminar on family health and nutrition.
A Summer of Fun!
Derrick Wendt and Justin Dirk at the Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Summer Sibling program takes place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm M-F. The program staff
provides entertainment for the siblings and support for the parents while they are in the hospital
or clinic. Each week the families have different themes and activities to look forward to such as
Hawaiian Luau week, Mexican Fiesta, Sports
Week and many others. These family activities
provide a necessary diversion for the children
who are restricted to being in the hospital.
Kianna Cortes Celebrating the
Fourth of July
Camp Night
Every year TIFC transports patients and
The Big Pie Eating Contest!
sometimes their whole family, to specialized
camps. These camps have the resources to
accommodate children undergoing treatment and provide a comfortable and safe environment
for the children to enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, horseback riding, photography and
more. This year we hosted an informational camp night in February which involved
representatives
from
several
Brianna and Jen Schaible
Congratulations to our High School and
different camps.
Getting Ready for the Luau
College Graduates
All of the camps
offer free sessions for children 5-15 and one camp in
particular, Camp Mak-a-Dream in Montana, also offers
Elinam (Joe) Tsgobe - Sayreville War Memorial High School
sessions for young-adult cancer survivors.
Nicole Ciangiulli - Edison High School
Dominique Curtis - Old Bridge High School
The purpose of this evening was to alleviate the
Arrin Hamm - South Brunswick High School
parents' fears of sending a chronically ill child to
Shanita Rogers - Plainfield High School
overnight camp. The evening was very successful and
Sahidatu Sesay - Junior/Senior High School of Mercer County
most of the families who attended have sent their
Kyle Smith - John F. Kennedy High School
children off to camp this summer.
Bunting Macauley - Rider College
This past year the Institute for Children with Cancer and Blood
Disorders (TIFC) has received some exciting major grants to
support the unique programs we offer that have proven to make
a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. A true
vote of confidence came when the charity was awarded a twoyear grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) in a
highly competitive solicitation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation
chose TIFC from an unprecedented number of applicants from
around the country, recognizing the importance and necessity
of our David E. Zullo Pediatric Palliative Care Program (PACCT).
PACCT provides our patients with a multidisciplinary care team
throughout the duration of the illness.
Long Motor Company President
David J. Long Jr. Earns
'Salute To Dealers' Award
Edsel B. Ford II and Ford Motor Company recently honored Mr.
David Long as part of Ford's 2006 Salute To Dealers program
for outstanding commitment to the community. Dave Long is one
of just nine Ford Motor Company dealers across all eight brands
to receive this award this year. We are all very proud of him!
Health care, safety and children are at the forefront of the
causes to which the Long Family and Long Motor Company
devote their time, energy and money. Long Motor Company
owns the Volvo dealerships in Princeton, Edison and
Bridgewater. Dave Long is a rallying force in the community,
serving on boards and donating time, cars and money to various
programs and projects.
“We’re not in it for the glory,” Long said. “But what we do, what
we give – it makes a difference.”
Teacher Flo is Working with Emily and Mikayla on Word Association
LAF is committed to improving the delivery of pediatric palliative
and end-of-life care. They were impressed with TIFC's role in
providing the non-medical supports and services that are
pivotal in establishing a comprehensive, compassionate care
team. The focus of the grant was on reducing language barriers
to the quality care offered through the PACCT program for our
Spanish-speaking families. We have just completed the first
year of this grant which has resulted in adding a translator to
our care team and offering all of our informational and
educational materials in Spanish.
Another success in our grant-seeking efforts was a $75,000
award from the J.C. Kellogg Foundation, whose mission it is to
support the educational needs of the community. In keeping
with their mission, the J.C. Kellogg Foundation has supported
TIFC's Accredited Learning Center each year since 2003 for a
total grant amount of $225,000. The Accredited Learning
Center is another unique program that provides educational
services for patients admitted in the hospital as well as
outpatients in the clinic.
Dave’s relationship and support of The Institute for Children with
Cancer and Blood Disorders contributed to his being selected
for this prestigious honor. Throughout the year, Dave Long
assists The Institute for Children in raising money for its
programs and services. His most significant contribution to the
charity was donating a Volvo, which raised $100,000 from a
raffle.
“I’ve never seen a more giving group of people,” Long said of The
Institute for Children. “They’re close to my heart.”
Again, The Institute for Children congratulates Dave on this
prestigious award and thanks him for his generous
contributions.
David J. Long Jr. Earns ‘Salute To Dealers’ Award
Alice Jillah, February 20, 1996 - May 8, 2006
Alice was diagnosed with ALL in January 2002. Because we took care of Alice for so many years, we got to know her very, very
well. Alice was a very serious "little" girl who turned into a very serious "big" girl! It was very difficult to make Alice laugh but
when you succeeded in getting her to laugh, she could not stop laughing. She would hold her belly and yell, "Stop. Stop" and she
would try to keep her belly from jiggling!
Alice spent a great deal of time hospitalized during her years of treatment. Alice and her nurse, Rose, would take trips to the
vending machines at night. Alice thought these trips were the trips of a lifetime! Throughout the day, she would ask Rose, "Are
we going to the secret place tonight?" She would stand at the machine; look over every selection several times and finally make
her decision on what to buy. Alice and Rose would talk on the way there and on the way back. Alice thought that she was the
most special child in the world and that was the goal on these nightly excursions! When Alice returned from transplant, she delighted in telling us how, on her
birthday, they would not let her out of her room to go to the gift shop. The doctors, nurses, everyone said absolutely no to leaving her room. Our Alice wore
them down and she had her birthday trip to the Gift Shop! She was thrilled with the trip and her victory!
Alice was always very matter-of-fact. She was very blunt and very direct but she also had a very soft side to her and a very loveable side to her. She cared
and worried about the other children on the Unit and constantly inquired about how they were doing. When it was little Marisol's birthday party, Alice led the
Birthday Parade. She wanted everyone to be happy and enjoy life. She did love a party.
Alice and her mother were inseparable and very devoted to each other. Alice died peacefully at home in her mother's arms with Grandma at their side. We
very much miss this engaging little girl.
Jasmin Christine Manzanal, December 15, 1999 - April 28, 2006
Jasmin was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in May 2005. Jasmin was an incredibly endearing child. She had a true love of
food. I am sure that she was the only child in the hospital who ordered everything on the menu at least once and also ordered
from every restaurant within a ten mile radius. She was a bit more of a taster than an eater but she enjoyed talking about food,
pretending to make food and loved ordering food!
Jasmin was very courageous throughout all her therapy. She had chemotherapy, radiation and numerous procedures and
surgeries. She was a young child with the strength of an adult. A great deal of this strength came from Jasmin's mother, Illyana.
They were inseparable and the best of buddies. Their relationship was one of deep love and caring. Even though Jasmin often
behaved older than she was, she still had the imagination and wonderment of a child. She was in trance at "PeterPan" on stage
in New York and actually believed that the Pixie Dust was magical. She was also adventurous. At Disney, Jasmin rode Space Mountain three times; her hat blew
off, her body jerked from side to side and she still wanted to go again and again.
The most important gift Jasmin gave us was her spirit. Her spirit shines as bright as the sun on a hot day in August and as bright as a star on a crisp, clear
night in Autumn. She will always be with us from day to night and from season to season.
Alonzo Mavil, December 20, 2002 - May 27, 2006
At three months old, baby Alonzo was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma. At that time, Alonzo underwent surgery for his brain
tumor. After being told Alonzo could not be cured, even with chemotherapy and radiation, due to his very young age, his parents
chose to take him home and to provide him with love and to cherish him as long as God would allow them to do so.
Alonzo Mavil passed away peacefully at home on Saturday May 27, 2006. He was surrounded by a circle of love created by family
and friends. At the time of his death, Alonzo was a jovial and resilient 3 1/2 year-old, who demonstrated his strengths in many
ways. This mischievous little boy loved to wrestle with his brothers, Eric and Alex. We all watched in amazement as he lost more
and more of his physical abilities, but not his essence. Alonzo loved to laugh and play jokes on the nurses. He knew what he
wanted and had no problem expressing himself despite his physical hindrance.
Alonzo's funeral mass was celebrated by Fr. Walter at St. Anthony Claret Church in Lakewood, N.J. This extraordinary service was complemented by a mariachi
band which is quite wonderful and traditional in the Mexican community. Alonzo is survived by his parents, Cristina and Alfonso, and by his 11 year old brother
Eric and his 2 year old brother Alex, who lovingly nicknamed him "Toto". His family truly treasured the time that they had with this amazing little boy.
Caitlin Bowe-Gleeson, August 1, 1998 - December 18, 2005
At the precious age of six, lively, laughing and high-spirited Caitlin Bowe-Gleeson was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma, a brain
tumor with a truly horrible prognosis. This incredibly devastating news had a tremendous impact on Caitlin's parents but
Caitlin continued to be a very typical six year old; totally into the joys of being a child and going to school.
Caitlin was actually not your typical six year old little girl. She was born in Ireland; had a special sparkle in her eyes and was
very wise and clever. She had very diverse interests for a six year old. She loved some pretty atypical music, probably due
to Daddy Dan being a musician. She was equally interested in robots and dolls; arts and crafts and running around like a
tomboy and playing video games non-stop with music blaring along on her IPOD. She sometimes seemed like a six year old
and at other times like a teenager!
Caitlin had some very special things in her life. She had a wonderful school, the Berkley School where she had caring and compassionate teachers and
classmates. Caitlin loved school and was a "star" student. After she died, Caitlin's school donated many wonderful gifts to the Bristol-Myers Squibb
Children's Hospital along with an absolutely spectacular Doll House to be used by the children on the Peds Hem/Onc Floor. Caitlin also had a very special
and large dog whom she loved by the name of Murphy. Caitlin and Murphy were inseparable. Murphy would sit on the couch with Caitlin while she played
video games and listened to her music or watched movies and before you knew it, Murphy was actually sitting or sleeping on Caitlin! It was really quite a
picture to see this very large dog sprawled out on this very little girl and neither one minded!
Rahmeen Davis, September 1, 1986 - December 15, 2005
Rahmeen, known as "Cootney" to his close friends and family, was a friendly, polite young man whose goal was to be a
mechanic. He saved and looked forward to buying a used car, but unfortunately Burkett's Lymphoma robbed him of his dream.
Rahmeen's infectious smile warmed the hearts of all who entered his room. He never complained about anything. Whatever,
you asked Rahmeen to do, in his baritone voice, he answered, "Alright." Everything was "alright" for him! Even when Rahmeen
was on isolation for many, many weeks, he never complained. He stayed in his hospital room and just kept himself busy and
only asked people to heat up his food; mostly bagels and Chinese foods - his special foods!
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Rahmeen was one of the most cooperative adolescents we have ever taken care of. There were times when he
wanted to do something with his friends and when he was told NO by his mother, he just simply smiled and watched television. He did not like to be around
a lot of people when his blood counts were low. When his sister had to attend a function, he accompanied her and spent the time waiting in the car. He was
just happy to be around his family; a very close knit family. Rahmeen was such a guy; sensitive, caring, forgiving and most of all- very, very loving. Rahmeen
and his mother, Sarah, had a very special bond but Rahmeen's extended family was always there for him and his Mom. Whenever we think of Rahmeen, we
think of his huge smile and we smile!
Alex Detore, July 3, 1996 - December 21, 2005
We met Alex for the first time in March 2002. Alex was a very handsome, calm little boy who had just finished treatment in
December 2000 for medulloblastoma, a brain tumor. Alex's parents had taken him to New York when he experienced his first
symptoms when he was four years old and he was operated on by the world famous Dr. Fred Epstein at Beth Israel. Alex and
his family traveled back and forth to NY for his initial therapy and on top of that, they had a brand new baby girl by the name
of Madison. Unfortunately, Alex's tumor did recur and his parents, John and Patty, were investigating what Dr. Kamen had to
offer. As became the norm, Alex brought along his grandpa to ask questions and support his parents. As it turned out, Alex
was actually now fighting two illnesses; his recurring brain tumor and cystic fibrosis.
Alex was a quiet little boy unless you were able to get him alone and then you found a very bright, insightful child. He was always so brave throughout the
various treatments given to him. He had an amazing ability to endure much with little outward signs. He always seemed to look good despite how he was
feeling.
Alex loved school and everyone at his school just loved him. When our counselor went to Alex's school to meet with the staff at Center Grove Elementary
School, she was absolutely amazed at how many staff members attended the meeting. It was a little Elementary School with a "Big Heart". All they wanted
to do was make Alex's time in school the most happy and productive time possible. Alex, like most children, just wanted normalcy. He just wanted to go
to school, play with his sister, Madison, and especially hang out with the Randolph Fire Company. He was actually a Junior Firefighter. Quite an honor and
quite a treat for a little boy! Alex also liked watching movies, writing and coloring.
Alex died in Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He is missed very much by his family and all who knew him.
Karen Dioses, November 5, 1994 - April 20, 2006
Karen was diagnosed with T-Cell ALL in October 2004. Karen was ten years old when we first met her and what a delightful little
girl she was! She was warm, personable, and quietly chatty and just had an enthusiasm for life that was contagious. She never,
ever complained. Her first admission was to the PICU, which would give any ten year old reason to be difficult and fearful, but
Karen was always smiling and cheerful!
When Karen was finally out of the hospital and coming to clinic for check-ups, chemotherapy and procedures, she always appeared
positive and pleased and in excellent spirits. She never once acted as if coming in for treatment was an intrusion in her life or
something unpleasant. She enjoyed being with the teachers, Anita and Flo and loved the Child-life Specialists, Emma and Peggy.
Karen also had some favorite nurses but no one would ever know who they were because she smiled and was polite and
cooperative with everyone. Karen loved her school, Our Lady of Victory, and everyone at her school absolutely loved her. She
was an excellent student who fiercely kept up with her schoolwork when she was in clinic or in the hospital. Karen also had a very special bond with her brother
Walter. He worried about her and she idolized him. It was always a joy to see the two of them together.
One of the biggest joys in Karen's life was the above ground swimming pool she was given last summer. It was such a very hot summer and Karen took immense
pleasure in being in her pool. We were all so pleased that she had that very special time and such wonderful hours of fun and happiness. We will always treasure
our memories of Karen and her wonderful parents, Rosa and Walter, and her very dear brother, Walter.
Matthew Edward Hayduk, June 2, 1983 - June 2, 2006
Matt was an incredibly brave young man who touched all of our lives through his courage, his compassion and, not to be
forgotten, mischievous sense of humor. We had the privilege of meeting Matt in January 2005 when he was first diagnosed
with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 21 years old and in the "prime" of his partying years and the last thing he wanted to
do was to take time away from his life to cure his disease. True to Matty's way, he embraced this challenge and was
determined to make the best of whatever came his way. Matty underwent extensive and aggressive chemotherapy for the
next several months. The Peds Hem/Onc Unit became his second home and we were adopted as his second family. Dropping
by in Matt's room, you could be sure to find not just Matt, but his family and friends at any time of the day or night.
Sadly, in March 2006, Matt relapsed. After a series of difficult treatments, Matthew, with the understanding and support of his family, made the courageous
decision to discontinue treatment. Matt's desire to live out his remaining time doing "whatever I want" was embraced by everyone who knew him he was able to
have some wonderful days.
Matthew was a wonderful, caring, loving young man who inspired all who knew him to continue to live life to its' fullest and to remind us of what is really important.
He had a passion for so many things but especially the Yankees, his friends, the beach and Bon Jovi. Matty was especially close to his two younger brothers,
Luke and Nick and his paternal grandmother, Nan. Matt had many close and wonderful friends but he was always able to leave his friends and a party to be home
with his Nan. Matt was as comfortable in the "Cat-in-the-Hat" Halloween costume as he was at the Tikki Bar. He was so thoughtful of others…as a parting gift
to his brothers; he had his voice recorded in the hearts of "Build-A-Bears" so that they could hear his voice whenever they needed to hear it. He wanted to be
their big brother, even in spirit. Matty, we miss you.
Travis Hudak, November 30, 1988 - May 13, 2006
Travis adored his parents, his sister and his dog Symba. He demonstrated his adoration for his immediate family by telling them
he loved them and by throwing them kisses across the room. Although he was a shy young man, he warmed up to his health care
team quite easily. He did not want to spend an extra second in clinic than was necessary and when he was visited at home; he
expected that the provider would not spend any extra time, either. Despite his developmental disabilities, Travis was an incredibly
introspective and sensitive young man. He knew that he was loosing his battle with cancer and in his own unique way; he
communicated it to his family. On good days, he announced that he was "feeling happy" and on those not-so-good days, he told
them he was "feeling sad."
One of Travis' most endearing qualities was the importance he placed on routines. He woke up at the crack of dawn, watched his special television programs,
and ate in the same place with the same people positioned where he wanted them. He was like a naval officer, each person was assigned a place and he expected
you to keep your post. Travis was an avid movie watcher and puzzle-solver. One of the most interesting qualities that he had was the ability to watch two
television programs or two movies simultaneously on separate televisions. He never missed his favorite television programs - Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
When Travis was too sick to get out of bed and was unable to face the television, he watched TV through the reflections in the mirrors in his parents' bedroom.
Apart from watching movies and game shows, he enjoyed going to the park and playing Nintendo.
Travis was especially close to his parents and his sister, Kelly, and he always looked forward to visits from his cousins. The boundless love invested in Travis by
his family gave him the strength to live for months with only sips of juice or milk. Travis passed away peacefully in his parents' bed surrounded by all his family,
including his beloved Symba.
Edith and Martin Stein Building of Hope
121 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 247-5300
(732) 247-5768 Fax
www.TheInstituteForChildren.org
2006 Executive Officers
Robert Brown, President
Phillip Furia, Vice President
Barbara Criscito, Treasurer
Rebecca Ferguson, Recording Secretary
John Ingato, Corresponding Secretary
TK Shamy, Chairman
2006 Important Dates
Contact the office (732-247-5300) for more information or if you
would like to volunteer to support any of these great events
2006 Board of Directors
Joseph Amore
Brian Canaris
Liana Chirichella
Vince Cirianni
Daniel DiDomenico
Robert DiLeo
Kris Emerson
Timothy Gibson
Constantine Katsifis
Jerry Kaulius
William Kelly
John Mehrlander
John Mortenson
Anthony Pascazio
Peter Pogany
George Psak
Art Schwartz
Barbara Ann Sellinger
Casino Night
September 9, 2006
Rumson, NJ
17th Annual Heel to Heal
September 17, 2006
Johnson Park - Piscataway, NJ
Sickle Cell Blood Drive and
Bone Marrow Donor Testing
September 28, 2006
New Brunswick, NJ
David E. Zullo - Chairman, Emeritus
June 11, 1948 - March 3, 2004
2006 Advisory Board
Greg Francfort
Peter Harvey
Bob Hurley
Mike Moran
Sandra Rice
Peg Zullo
Executive Director
Glenn Jenkins
Halloween Party
October 29, 2006
Colts Neck, NJ
Holiday Party
December 16, 2006
New Brunswick, NJ
Past Presidents
2004/2005
2002/2003
2000/2001
1998/1999
1997/1998
TK Shamy
Kris Emerson
David Zullo
Anthony Pascazio
Peter Pogany
The Institute for Children is committed to enhance and support the
quality of life and care of children with cancer and blood disorders. We
provide funding for a broad range of services to our patients and their
families while continuing to support research initiatives.