Summer 2006 Newsletter Jun 1, 2006
Transcription
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.