CiC Foundation Executive Board member George Ross and his wife, Billie were featured in the Winter 2016-17 of Northwell Health’s GRATITUDE magazine. In addition to funding the Lion’s Den Room at Cohen Children’s Hospital, the couple have been instrumental in the development of other pediatric initiatives at the hospital.

Billie & George Ross

Most recently, the Ross’s fostered the development of the Billie and George Ross Center for Advanced Pediatric Orthopaedics and Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery. This is the only center in New York – and one of the few sites nationwide – to offer minimally invasive scoliosis surgery and house a dedicated team of scoliosis specialists. The center features MAGEC (Magnetic Expansion Control)and is led by two world-renowned experts in pediatric orthopaedic surgery.

Since 2007, The Ross’s have funded critical projects that transformed pediatric care at Cohen Children’s and made the hospital environment less scary for young patients. In addition to the Lion’s Den and the MAGEC initiatives, their investments helped develop the Neonatal Stabilization Unit and Radiology Comfort Care Room. They have also delivered interactive and educational systems to every patient’s bedside and provided two transport vans to assist patients and their caregivers reach the hospital for appointments.

The feature story is included on pages 14 and 15. http://www.onwardpublishing.com/nh/GM2016/

Players, alums unveil renovated teen lounge at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

 NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) and St. Louis Blues unveiled a renovated teen lounge as part of the 2017 NHL® Winter Classic Legacy project. The renovated room was designed in partnership with Companions in Courage, a nonprofit charity that was founded by Hockey Hall of Famer and League executive Pat LaFontaine. All elements within the room have been donated to St. Louis Children’s Hospital, a leading pediatric facility that serves youth across the U.S. and around the world.  

“I was born in St. Louis and put on my first pair of skates in the suburb of Kirkwood. I always hoped that Companions in Courage could one day give back to the place where I was born,” said Pat LaFontaine, NHL Vice President of Hockey Development and Community Affairs. “I am thrilled that this year’s NHL Winter Classic Legacy project will introduce technology to the healing process for pediatric patients for years to come.” Continue reading »

Jim Johnson, George Ross, Lamar Jackson, Pat LaFontaine and Diane Rode

The 2016 Heisman Trophy winner, Lamar Jackson of the University of Lousiville took time from his busy first weekend in New York to visit patients at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai. The youngest Heisman winner in history “gowned up” and conducted some bedside visits, and then headed to the Lion’s Den Room for a Google Hangout with patients in other Lion’s Dens across North America. 

Jackson was an inspiration for many parents and their families. He had everyone laughing when the Florida native said he decided to go to the University of Louisville because he “wanted to see snow.” When another patient asked if Jackson would like to play for his hometown Denver Broncos, he added, “we have lots of snow here!” Continue reading »