Years of Smiles! - Nicklaus Children`s Hospital

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A newslet
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Radio Lollipop
Celebrates
13
Years
of Smiles!
Thank You Sponsors!
Be Organic
Cookie Monster came
to celebrate.
R
The birthday cake!
UM’s Sebastian and
his new friends.
adio Lollipop’s birthday
No Hollywood-themed party would
party on August 13th, 2009
be complete without the presence
brought a real sense of Hollywood
of celebrities. Special appearances
to Miami Children’s Hospital. Party
were made by DJ Laz, Black Dada,
attendees found themselves
Alejandra Alberti, Miami
Hollywood-themed
Hurricanes’ Sebastian,
playroom bustling
Cookie Monster and the
with people, activity
crowd favorite, Elmo.
y
eid
M ir
There was definitely
something for everyone!
an
dD
Divine Delicacies
Da Pretty Boyz, Los Primeros,
in a fully decorated,
stations and food.
Samay Belly Dancers
Trevor Cedar
The Samay belly dancers
J Laz.
put on an unforgettable
performance in the Playroom
Participants were greeted with
and in the hallways! The patients
arts and crafts, a wall to leave their
unable to leave their rooms received
handprints, face painting, cotton
special attention from celebrities and
candy and sno cones, delicious food
were serenaded by the harmonious
from Be Organic, freeze dance games,
melodies of a local high-school
and karaoke.
musical group, the Testastorones.
Black Dada & Da Pretty Boyz help DJ Laz
present the Radiothon check.
The 13th annual Radio Lollipop Party
concluded with the presentation
of a donation by DJ Laz on behalf
of the Power 96 Radiothon. Radio
Lollipop looks forward to continuing
bringing joy and entertainment to
our patients, with the support of all
Da Pretty Boyz rockin’ the studio.
The Testosterones in harmony
with Tatianna.
Who, What, When, Where is Radio Lollipop?
Radio Lollipop is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing care, comfort, play
and entertainment to children in hospitals. This volunteer driven organization uses music and up
beat interactive play to gain the children’s attention. This mission allows hospitalized children and
their families temporary escape from the serious nature of their hospital stay. Simply put, Radio
Lollipop provides the best medicine of all…. Fun and laughter. Founded in 1979 in the United
Kingdom, Radio Lollipop currently operates studios in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom
and New Zealand.
our friends and volunteers!
D
Local celebrity and Power 96 (WPOW-FM)
morning show host, DJ Laz, once again
showed his love for children by hosting
the 3rd Annual Power 96 Radiothon to
benefit Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s
Hospital. When all was said and done,
the South Florida community had come
together to raise more than $160,000 for
the program and the children of Miami
Children’s Hospital.
Mix master RJ.
Radio Lollipop volunteers manned phone
donation hotlines and toy donation
stations at Wal-Mart stores throughout
Miami-Dade and Broward counties for the
36-hour event, which began on August
11 and wrapped up on August 12.
According to DJ Laz, the reasons for his
support of Radio Lollipop run deeper
than using his name as a chance to help
others out. “What I want to do is make
Power 96’s Ivy and the volunteers.
people aware that there are kids out there
that need our help. A lot of us are blessed
with healthy kids and don’t ever have to
visit a hospital, so it’s not in the forefront
of our minds,” said Laz. “The bottom line is
when you think you’re having a bad day,
or you’re mad at the world and you just
hate life, go visit the kid’s hospital and see
what problems are really all about. You’ll
realize you don’t have any.”
O-
RADI
Local Radio Station Uses its ‘Power’ to
Benefit Radio Lollipop
AZ
J L THON
Touched by Laz’s story and the
commitment of the hospital’s volunteers,
several celebrities, including local hiphop artists Pitbull, Flo-Rida, and Trick
Daddy, stepped up to the plate and made
significant donations to Radio Lollipop,
serving as some of the Radiothon’s
greatest supporters. Radio Lollipop would
like to thank DJ Laz, Power 96, and the
entire South Florida community for its
continued support.
Thank You Sponsors!
DJ Laz with supporters from
Broward Motor Sports.
UM Makes Grand Slam Visit to Radio Lollipop
Players and coaches
from the University of
Miami baseball team hit a
homerun with their visit to
Radio Lollipop in October.
Singing songs, visiting
patients, and announcing
the night’s winners were
all in the lineup.
“They really got the kids motivated and
it was nice to see how many smiles they
were able to get from kids who really
needed it,” said Thrilling Thursday team member Lydia Del
Pino.
Team helps CJ ‘batter up’.
“I had a great night. It’s a great feeling to be an influence in
someone’s life,” said player Sam Robinson. Another player, Erick
Erickson, also expressed the importance of reaching out to others.
“I think the players did a great job cheering up the kids and
getting them involved in our show,” said Wacky Wednesday
volunteer Miguel Garcia. The team took part in handing out
craft supplies, picking out prizes, and left great memories with
the kids and volunteers alike.
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The play of the day came when the
baseball players, volunteers, and
kids got together to sing “You’ve
Got a Friend in Me.” Indeed the UM
players showed that Radio Lollipop
and the kids at Miami Children’s
Coach Morris and players
Hospital truly do have a friend
at bedside.
in the University of Miami.
Radio Lollipop would like to thank Sam Robinson, Tom
Powers, Chris Hernandez, Eric Erickson, Ryan Perry, Steven
Ewing, Kevin Youst, and coach Jim Morris for stopping by for
a great night of fun.
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital
Soccer Team Scores Goal with Children at MCH
The players of the Miami FC Blues are
used to the sound of cheering fans. On
this evening, however, those cheers came
from the children at Miami Children’s
Hospital.
Zach Kirby, Walter Ramirez, Nicolas
Torres, and team mascot “Hotshot” all
greeted the children with their nifty
soccer ball tricks, and autographed
memorabilia. The most important
part of the visit for the team was
participating in special quality time with
the children.
Kicking around in the studio.
Lights, Camera,
Semi Annual!
The sights and sounds of Hollywood
were the scene of the second semiannual of 2009. Volunteers experienced
a flowing red carpet, an old-fashioned
popcorn machine, and the inaugural
paper plate awards. At the center of all
the fun, were the training presentations
which were geared toward improving
every aspect of volunteering.
activity contest.
The experience
was one that Zach
Kirby would love to
see continue, in helping to bring joy and
happiness to a special group of children.
Hanging with Jennifer, a big fan.
“Visiting Miami Children’s Hospital
was a great experience. From the
moment we arrived I knew we were
in for a special evening. Bouncing from
room to room with the Radio Lollipop
volunteers and seeing the children’s
faces light up with excitement was truly
unforgettable,” said Miami FC’s Zach
Kirby.
The players followed Radio Lollipop
volunteers both inside the studio and
to the rooms. They also passed out
prizes to the winners of the night’s
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital
Walter, Ashawncia, Nicholas and Zack.
without saying that
at our training events,
are always great fun
to mingle, meet and
laugh with our fellow
volunteers, ” she said.
Wacky Wednesday
team leader, Natalie
Eguizabal, said that she
learned the importance
of being accountable
for your own actions as a volunteer.
“Radio Lollipop depends on the
volunteers to be punctual and on
task; it’s about the children not the
volunteers,” she said.
The semi-annual also brought a chance
for volunteers of all teams to be able to
Colleen Cummings, a Terrific Tuesday
member, said she thought the best
part about the semi-annual training
was hearing about other volunteers
experiences from different teams.
“It helps us all approach certain and
sometimes difficult situations. It goes
“It is difficult for me to comprehend
why some children have to go through
such things at such young ages, but the
strength they possess to push forward is
remarkable,” said Kirby. He added, “I am
happy to have shared some time with
them, and it is something I would love to
do again in the near future.”
The Radio Lollipop team!
interact with one another. Volunteer
Karine Bello, a Terrific Tuesday member,
was happy to be given the opportunity
to attend this annual meeting.
“I was happy to attend the semi-annual
and meet some new friends from other
nights. The combination of very useful
information, along with creating a
closer bond to other volunteers, makes
this event a large success,” she said.
Wacky Wednesday member Vicky
Mir added, “The semi-annual is, in my
opinion, an amazing way to bring all
the Lollipopers together. I can’t wait for
the next one.”
The fabulous chefs and volunteers:
Juan, Natalie and Ann.
3
11,000 Reasons to Smile
A night of laughter and fun at
the Miami Improv provided
the children of Miami
Children’s Hospital with the
biggest smile of all. Thanks
to the hard work of the
volunteers of Radio Lollipop,
the fundraising event raised
over $11,000 in donations,
more than double the
amount received in 2008.
One day prior to the event,
Radio Lollipop made an
appearance on the NBC6
television show “South Florida
Today.” Volunteers David Berry
and Pilar Alvarez were guests
on the show and described
what exactly Radio Lollipop is
all about and also promoted
our event, “A Night at the
Improv.”
Comedians Adrian Mesa, John
Vargas and Oni Perez.
Volunteers Andrew, Melissa, Iris
and their friend Andrew
were all smiles!
Thank you!
Radio Lollipop would like to thank the following sponsors
for donating prizes for our raffle:
Host David Berry and his
“Vanna White” Kathy Napuri.
At the event, the packed
house was treated to
comedians Ruben Ramos,
John Vargas, Oni Perez,
Adrian Mesa, and headliner
Ricky Cruz. Host David Berry,
entertained the audience
and announced the winners
of the largely anticipated
raffle contest. The grand prize
of the raffle was a four-day
Bahamas cruise for two,
aboard Norwegian Cruise
Line. Other notable prizes
included two round-trip
tickets on Airtran Airways,
brunch at the Biltmore
Hotel, a one-night stay at
the Mandarin Oriental, and a
round of golf at the Doral Golf
Resort and Spa.
Ken Fiegel, Michael O’Bryn, Regent Bal Harbour,
Vixon Boutique, Erich Glasbrenner,
Addict Boutique, Rhoni Tannebaum, Jessie Trujillo,
Marilyn Cale Designs, and Kore Boutique.
We would also like to thank Vicki Ramos, David Berry,
the Miami Improv, and NBC 6 for their contributions in
making this event a success.
Volunteers Jessica and Amy laughed
the night away with their friends.
Volunteer Laura Londono and
her friends had a blast!
Houston, We Have History!
Members from Radio Lollipop locations around the
world gathered in Houston, Texas, for the Radio Lollipop
International Conference. In addition to the international
conference, the first-ever Radio Lollipop USA conference was
to take place as well. The attendees included representatives
from England, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
The purpose of the conference was to unite all Radio Lollipop
locations and to discuss how to expand and improve the
program both as individual volunteers and as an organization.
Topics discussed included opening new stations, fundraising,
4
The MCH crew with Radio Lollipop founder Hedley Finn (in red).
and marketing. Attendees felt the conference was a major
step in the right direction for Radio Lollipop, and hope that
next year’s conference will have just as much success.
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital
Inaugural RL Olympic Games
Strikes Gold with Volunteers
The first Radio Lollipop Olympics took place
this year and lasted longer than anyone
expected. It started with the “Radio Lollipop
Olympics Bash” on May 30. The party was a
great success, making it possible for volunteers
to meet and spend some quality time together.
The bash was followed by the Radio Lollipop
Olympic games, which took place on May 31 at
Tropical Park.
Interested in
Volunteering
The games involved four teams: “The
Super Saturday team huddle.
Incredibles” from Terrific Tuesday, “Weapons
of Mass Destruction” from Wacky
competing against each other, they
Wednesday, “Boom Boom Pow”
became closer than ever. “I really
from Thrilling Thursday and “The
enjoyed the first ever Radio
Icantbelieveables” from Super
Lollipop Olympics because we got
Saturday. The events scheduled
to interact with members from the
were flag football, dodge ball and
rest of the teams and have fun in
kickball. After nearly four hours of
the process,” said Melissa Ruiz-Lau, a
Luc
”
flag football play, the games were
ia, ak ittle red Thrilling Thursday volunteer.
a “L
interrupted by rain.
Tuesday’s team did not have enough team
members, so they combined with players from
Wednesday’s team. They called themselves
the Terrific Wednesdays. Labake Ajayi, a Terrific
Tuesday member said, “Although we were
divided within our respective teams, we united
as a whole in competing against each other
from different teams, sharing memorable
experiences and always laughing.”
MVPs Natalie Eguizabal, Andrew Geffner,
Kathy Napuri and David Berry.
Volunteers were able to meet again on July
19 to finish the Olympic Games. Dodge
ball and kickball were the two events of
the day. An award ceremony followed the
games. “The Icanbelievables” from Super
Saturday took home the trophy. “It’s not about
competition. It’s about becoming a team,
which hopefully will later become a family,” said
Lucia Schneegans-Puentes, a Super Saturday
volunteer.
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital
Lollipop?
Get an application at
She added, “Maybe there was only one official
team winner, but all the teams gained friends,
ate great food and spent quality time as a
group. In the end we all became winners.”
www.mch.com/
RadioLollipop
This wonderful event is sure to be revived next
year, providing a great venue for volunteers
from all teams to practice good teamwork and
sportsmanship in hopes of bringing everyone
just a little bit closer in the process.
international site at
Visit our
www.RadioLollipop.com
or give us a call at
786-624-4431
Join
Each team had a “Most Valuable Player” who
won a beautiful medal. Kathy Napuri, Natalie
Eguizabal, Andrew Geffner, and David Berry
were the MVPs. Andrew Geffner was chosen the
overall MVP.
The Radio Lollipop Olympic Games made
it possible for a group of great individuals
to interact. Even though volunteers were
for Radio
!
s
u
Vicky and Amy of Wacky Wednesdays
showing off their “tough“ side.
5
DJ Laz’s
Halloween Extravaganza
Happy Halloween!
DJ Laz, champion fundraiser and
best friend of Radio Lollipop, hosted
a “Freaky Fun Halloween Party”
for children at Miami Children’s
Hospital on October 28. DJ Laz and
his beautiful wife Joey brought
food, music, games, toys and fun to
the event. The volunteers of Wacky
Wednesday added to the Halloween
excitement, dressing up as Mary
Poppins, Wilma Flintstone, Scuba Man
and many others.
Eager children called the studio with
jokes, scary stories and song requests.
“Wilma” and Laz threw a great party in
the studio, throwing out shout outs,
Volunteers Colleen, Josh and Alicia
high-fiving Tyler.
Courtnie aka Hello Kitty with DJ Laz.
laughing at jokes, playing instruments,
and dancing with everyone who
gathered in the studio and playroom.
There was also a great party in 3North,
where Goofy and Minnie were face
painting, dancing and singing!
It was a great night for everyone
thanks to DJ Laz, and his great group
of friends and family. Thank you to the
Wacky Wednesday team and other
Radio Lollipop Volunteers for making
Halloween fun for all the children (nurses,
doctors, and families too!)
DJ Laz with Nathalie and her sister.
Volunteer Vivian with Dulce.
Thank You!
Nathalie and Elizabeth showing off their
beautifully painted faces.
Macy’s Fundraiser “Causes” Many Smiles for Kids at MCH
Twice a year, Macy’s holds its “Shop for a Cause” event,
“As a mother, I know how difficult it must be not only for the
which serves as a fundraiser for many worthy organizations.
sick child, but also their families during some very stressful
Coupons are sold to customers prior to the
situations. I feel very happy that I can somehow
event, who then receive a percentage off of their
help to make sure that their experience at
Macy’s purchase on the event date. Proceeds go
Miami Children’s Hospital is as enjoyable as
to the participating organizations. Radio Lollipop
possible.”
participated in events in April and October
raising a total of $2,500.
Radio Lollipop thanks Macy’s and all our
supporters for making this event so successful.
Nettie Lamoureux, a mother of three, said that
We look forward to continuing with the “Shop
she was grateful to know her money was going
for a Cause” program next spring.
toward helping improve the lives of sick children.
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Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital
Volunteer Spotlight
Karine Bello
Juan Oves
Terrific Tuesday
Wacky Wednesday
I have been a Radio Lollipop volunteer for a year.
I’ve been volunteering now for over a year at Radio Lollipop
been unforgettable. I decided to become a volunteer
decided to become a volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital,
Thanks to this amazing organization, this past year has
because I wanted to make people feel better. I
wanted to help change a tear into a smile. Radio
Lollipop allows me to do that. Our fun activities,
trivia questions, stories, bubbles, and music brings
happiness to the patients and their families.
The best part about volunteering for Radio Lollipop
is being able to share the music in me with all the
patients. I love singing with them, but most of all I
love seeing the positive effect that music has on each
and every patient.
Thank you Radio Lollipop, for letting me be a part of
this great team. Radio Lollipop has been a wonderful
experience for me, and I will never forget it.
and I am in love with the organization and its purpose. I
not only because of my passion for medicine, but also for
my enjoyment in teaching children about the sciences and
the natural world.
I never thought I would have the “crazy and unique
character” a Radio Lollipop volunteer has, but it naturally
came into place. I’ve always believed that teaching children
will open up their imaginations and minds to a bright future
with great possibilities. My knowledge of science and few
jokes has brought many smiles to many children at Miami
Children’s Hospital, and it is the best feeling any human
can have. Our task as volunteers at Radio Lollipop is to
create a world of imagination and fun, disguising the actual
hospital scene, and distracting the mind of the patient.
The best part of volunteering is not only the smiles you
leave on the children, but also the impact that it will make
on their future. A few words in a moment of distress, can
mean a lot to a child. I thank Radio Lollipop for everything
Joel Calafell
Super Saturday
they have taught me and the great experiences! There is no
price or value on how much this organization is worth and
its purpose at Miami Children’s Hospital. The children are
the future
I have been volunteering at Radio Lollipop for almost 4
years. I have actually been volunteering at the hospital
for almost 7 years because my first two and half
years were served in the E.R. department.
I have always been taught that serving the community
is something everyone should practice in their own way.
I have always been interested in medicine so I decided
to start volunteering at Miami Children’s Hospital, but
after almost 3 years in the ER department I wanted
something that involved more patient interaction, so
Nuria introduced me to Radio Lollipop, and after my
first day I was hooked. Just the thought of being able
to bring these kids some light even on the darkest of
days is an absolute joy to me.
I enjoy the first interaction between the patients and
the parents, because I feel that it is where I brighten
their day the most.
To me the number one way to say thank you to Radio
Lollipop is to spread the program around. There are
many excellent childrens hospital in the United States
and it is a shame that only 3 have a Radio Lollipop
station. I hope sometime in the future to bring Radio
Lollipop to another hospital. I think this would be the
best thank you Radio Lollipop could receive.
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital
Marien Yanes
Thrilling Thursday
What do you think when you hear the name Radio
Lollipop? To me, it means happiness, laughter, unity, and
a freedom of expression. Radio Lollipop is much more
than an organization, it is a family. A family that will
always be there for each other, no matter how hard their
day has been or how sad they might feel.
I joined Radio Lollipop because I wanted to be a part
of something greater. My sister had started volunteering
two months earlier and suggested that I try it out, and
although I was unsure what the program entailed, I gave
it a try. Soon, I found myself coming back, each time
with a smile brighter then the last.
Today, 14 months later, I have to thank Radio Lollipop
for the memories it has provided, the friendships I have
built, and the children I have encountered. Knowing that I
have touched someone’s life is not only the best part of
the program, but also the most rewarding feeling of all.
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Radio Lollipop’s mission is to provide care, comfort,
play and entertainment to children in hospital.
Management Team
Thanks to our Special Guests
Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . Javier Izquierdo
• Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Assistant Chairperson . . . . Nora Barriere
• Stiefel Laboratories
Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Heyman
Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . Dayana Rodezno
Program Coordinator. . . Lucia Schneegans
• AT&T Pioneers South Florida
• Miami FC Soccer Team
• FIU-Business Development Organization
• Project Sunshine
Marketing Chair . . . . . . . . . . Alex Sanchez
• University of Miami Baseball Team
Fundraising Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . Juan Oves
• Phi Delta Epsilon at FIU
Play Coordinator. . . . . . .Natalie Equizabal
• Stephanie Carache
Education Chair . . . . . . . Ann Cunningham
• Phi Mu at FIU
Thank you to our dedicated and committed volunteers:
Mileidy Aguado
Labake Ajayi
Hilda Alvarez
Melissa Alvarez
Pilar Alvarez
Nora Barriere
Karine Bello
David Berry
Joel Calafell
Milvionne Chery
Iris Cicero
Sebastian Cortes
Colleen Cummings
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Ann Cunningham
David De La Flor
Lydia Del Pino
Jerfoon Desorme
Natalie Equizabal
Laura Espinosa
Linda Faber
Mike Garcia
Andrew Geffner
Jessica Goldfin
Yasmin Gomez
Renee Gonzalez
Hunter Heniser
Javier Izquierdo
Cory Jones
Randolph Koper
Marc Kuperman
Laura Londono
Alicia Lopez
Vanessa Lopez
Diana Lora
Caterina Marazzi
Marlene Martinez
Betsy Medina
Dani Meyrick
Katherine Millo
Vicky Mir
Tania Miranda
Marithe Molina
Melissa Morales
Amy Murphy
Kathy Napuri
Jenesis Negron
Carolina Nunez
Juan Oves Jr.
Gregory Quijano
Kristy Ramirez
Jorge Ramos
Victoria Ramos
Vivian Revilla
Dayana Rodezno
Melissa Ruiz
Vanessa Ruiz
David Salamanca
Alex Sanchez
Jessica Sandoval
Jessa Santiago
Lucia Schneegans
Aleyda Sosa
Talisa Suarez
Evelyn Tamayo
Rhoni Tannebaum
Ana K Vega
Ana Vega
Lissvett Vergara
Sindy Villalobos
Maria Villavicencio
Vanessa Vinas
Meagan Wentworth
Kenneth Wilder
Marien Yanes
Marnie Yanes
Bianca Zuluaga
Radio Lollipop at Miami Children’s Hospital