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Patients Revel in Holiday Cheer from Santa

January 17, 2024 in News

NEW YORK, NY – December 8, 2023

From December 5th through the 7th, Santa Claus (and Père Noël) made personalized visits with pediatric patients in 15 children’s hospitals from New York to Anchorage. The 16th annual Santa Connection was another unqualified success.

Mark Leff of Exclusive Networks served as coordinator for the event, and he was assisted once again by Steve Maykowski of Google. Leff said, “Steve and I discussed this being an ideal case of using technology for good, making a real impact. We also marveled at how the hospitals really understood what they needed to do as well. Just the fact that all 15 slots were taken in only a few days back in September is another testament of the significance of this event and the impact we are making.” Eric Schwartz at Connoisseur Media on Long Island provided a workshop setting at the station for Santa to hunker down for a few days of merriment.

Santa Claus spent the first couple of days listening to patients share their hopes and dreams. The Child Life Specialists at each hospital provided an “assist” by forwarding a cheat sheet on each patient. Old St. Nick knew the names of siblings, their favorite hobbies and details about their pets (and their Elf on the Shelf!) He was ably joined by the elf, Holly (Barbara Stagnari), and a host of elves committed to singing and confirming the availability of toys that the patients requested.

On the final day of the Santa Connection, our attention shifted north of the border to Père Noël (Nick Marion). The bilingual Père Noël was able to effortlessly converse with patients in both French and English. Regardless of the language, the sentiment was all the same – it was all about feeling merry and bright.

Through the generosity of its donors, the Companions in Courage Foundation provided gift cards for each patient. Many of the Child Life staff listened to what the patients asked Santa for and then used the gift cards to provide that item. Smiles and holiday cheer filled the air!

Kravis Re-opens New Lions Den Room

January 16, 2024 in News

NEW YORK, NY – December 18, 2023

The Lions Den Room at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s in New York City has always been referred to internally as our “million-dollar room.” That’s a reflection of both its value to the pediatric patients and the Child Life staff, but it’s also a nod to the room’s location on Fifth Avenue, overlooking Central Park.

During the pandemic, this room served as a respite from the scourge of COVID. Not only could patients safely visit the room for a few minutes of play or to complete homework assignments, it also provided a safe place where doctors could have confidential discussions with parents. Additionally, the room was a place where staff could safely take a few minutes to drop their masks and catch their breath.

When Diane Rode, Senior Director of Patient and Family Centered Care, heard from administrators that a department shift would necessitate the closing of the Lions Den space, she went into action. Rode immediately began negotiating for a new spot to move the resources of this valuable room. She found that space on another floor and with a slightly different view, but it was going to be a Lions Den.

Working with Companions in Courage Foundation, fabricators from Art Guild and the Facilities staff at the hospital, Rode was able to re-purpose some of the features of the existing Lions Den Room and add a host of updated touches. The new space has a new workstations, a new gaming console and a couple of large screen TVs for video conferencing and watching movies. A variety of soothing videos from MedCalm round out the patient options.

The ribbon-cutting for the new space took place on Monday, December 18th, with Pat LaFontaine on hand to cut the ribbon. He said, “we are grateful to Diane and her team for their commitment to the Lions Den Room and the effort they put in to find it a new home.”

This is how WABC-TV in New York covered the re-opening.

https://cic16.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pat-LaFontaine-segment_WABC31461007.mp4

Heisman Visit Brings Smiles to Patients

January 10, 2024 in News

NEW YORK, NY – December 10, 2023

On Saturday, December 9th, Jayden Daniels, quarterback of the LSU Tigers was recognized by the Heisman Trophy Trust as winner of the Heisman Trophy for 2023. The award is given annually to the top college football player in the country.

The following day, Daniels was visiting patients at Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai in New York City. The football star autographed footballs for the patients and then participated in a hospital-wide broadcast from the hospital’s video studio. He also spent some one-on-one time visiting with patients and their families. (They remembered to sing “Happy Birthday” to Jayden as his birthday was just one week away).

Morgan Stojanowski, the hospital’s director of Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy was ecstatic with the interaction. She said, “These families need a break from the hospital life that many have been forced to adopt. To have the Heisman Trust bring the top college player in the country to meet with them is so very special. The bonus is that Jayden is such a thoughtful and caring young man.”

The patients were curious about so much regarding the Heisman winner. What was his favorite breakfast cereal? (Cinnamon Toast Crunch) Why does he wear #5? (He loved former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who wore that number). Who has had the greatest influence on his life and career? (His mom).

Jayden left all the patients with this important message. “Stay positive no matter what. Get through the hard times by staying positive. You patients inspired ME today! And I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and get to go home soon.”

20th Annual Outing is a Twist of Fate

October 14, 2023 in News

HUNTINGTON, NY, September 28, 2023  –  Jim Johnson, Executive Director of the foundation set the tone for the evening when he reminded everyone in the room that they were only there due to a twist of fate (or faith).

He cited the unlikely way that Pat LaFontaine made his way to Long Island and the Islanders in 1983, and how he was introduced to teammate Lorne Henning’s babysitter – Marybeth Hoey – forty years ago. That established his roots on Long Island and led to every attendee being on hand to celebrate 20 years of “assists” at this annual event.

Johnson added that later this year, the Companions in Courage Foundation will provide comfort and COURAGE to our 1 millionth patient! That provoked a rousing standing ovation.

– SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Mike Stobe/2023 Mike Stobe)

LaFontaine took advantage of the opportunity to invite Pierre Turgeon to the event and honor him for his induction next month in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Turgeon played four years with the Islanders and retired as one of only 48 players to score 500 goals in his NHL career. In one of the biggest trades in NHL history, LaFontaine and Turgeon were traded for each other at the peak of their respective careers in 1991. LaFontaine presented Turgeon with an exclusive double magnum of his Pinot Line wine.

– SEPTEMBER 2023: (Photo by Mike Stobe)

Michigan artist Paul Madden created a one-of-a-kind commemorative original drawing featuring 11 of the greatest NHL Hall of Famers to ever attend the foundation’s Golf Classic. In addition to images of each of the celebrities, the piece featured original autographs from each. Represented in the piece were LaFontaine, Bobby Orr, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Clark Gillies, Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Brendan Shanahan, Gilbert Perreault, Marcel Dionne and Cam Neely.  Auctioneer extraordinaire, Shawn Parr, help the price for the piece soar at a spirited post-event dinner.

The day was filled with poignant moments, including traditional tributes (at Amen Corner and at the post-event dinner) to CiC Foundation supporters who have passed in the last year. New additions this year were Flo Gries (mother of Cheryl Gries Brown), Carl Girolamo (father-in-law of Greg DeRosa and former Islander Gerry Hart. Remembered with love were Clark Gillies, Mike Bossy, Jean Potvin, Rod Gilbert, Guy Lafleur, and friends of the foundation that included Rusty McCormick, Terry Sheerin, Tony Trombino, Danny Brown, and John LaFontaine.

The highlight of the dinner was when “Super Jack” Foley – a 12-year-old born with half a heart – talked about his relationship with LaFontaine, the foundation, and his special family relationship with cardiologist and executive board member Dr. Sean Levchuck. He concluded his poignant remarks by inviting Bob Nystrom to join him in presenting the 2023 Clark Gillies Pioneer Award to his favorite cardiologist.

– SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Mike Stobe/2023 Mike Stobe)

Johnson provided a review of activities the foundation has participated in during the last year. He cited the delivery of 120 additional Chromebooks to patients in 30 hospitals, and 250 Stitches LaRoar dolls to patients in 20 hospitals. He talked about the foundation’s relationship with the Heisman Trust that brought USC superstar Caleb Williams to Kravis Children’s at Mount Sinai and across the Courage Network. He talked about how SMACNA had provided funding for technology donations made to several Long Island pediatric units. Finally, he announced that the first new Lion’s Den Room in five years will be opened in early 2024 at Yale New Haven Children’s.

LaFontaine welcomed former Islanders and teammates Bob Nystrom, Bryan Trottier, Butch Goring, Ed Westfall, Benoit Hogue, Pierre Turgeon and Randy Wood. The field of celebrities included former NBA star Wally Szczerbiak and his dad Walter Szczerbiak. Every participant received a copy of Trottier’s new book, “All Roads Home.” The Islanders legend provided a personal inscription and autograph in every book.

– SEPTEMBER 29: (Photo by Bruce Bennett)

Pat McCarthy posted the Men’s Individual Low Gross (4-under), while Paul Mazzola finished just two strokes back. Melissa Barbour of SMACNA took the Women’s Low Gross Award.

Tom Aboff, from the NFP Insurance foursome, won the Long Drive contest with a bomb on Hole #7, while Peter Ferrandino, Jr.  (8’ 10”) won the Closest-to-the-Pin contest on Hole #3. Austin Ryan of Northwestern Mutual won the “Nearest-to-the-Net” contest on #18.

The foursome from Unsung Siblings – that included Danny Ryan, Craig Hetherington, James Pace and Mike DelGiudice of “Big Shot” took the low gross team honors with a score of 62. They bested the runner-up team of The McAuley Family – Sean, Tim, Alec, Tony Giardina and Rob Walter by a single stroke.

Many golfers took advantage of the “Air Cannon” on Hole #15, sponsored by Scott Paternoster. The cannon would launch a tee shot about 350 yards on the par 5 hole and give every team a shot at eagle. Several golfers commented that the cannon should be an option on EVERY hole!

LaFontaine thanked the Franchise sponsors – Lombardi Design & Manufacturing, Hess Associates and One80 Intermediaries and Edward Hall Insurance. He also thanked the Major sponsors that included the Heagerty Family Foundation, Port View Leasing, Ferrandino & Sons Construction, Striano Electric, Delaney Contracting, the McAuley Family Foundation, Patti Spray Fireproofing, Simplifi Medical, Hilltop Securities, the Croatian-American Foundation, the Michael McCarthy Foundation, John Moran CPA, the Unsung Siblings Foundation, the Clark Gillies Foundation, SMACNA, Rob MacInnis, Bill Isenberg, Jerry Wood, Greg DeRosa, Steve Hoey, Scott Lohan, Tom Hildebrandt and Brad Johnson.

LaFontaine also thanked Steve Hess of Hess Associates for sponsoring the Cocktails and Dinner;  Jim Buzzetta of Mercedes of Huntington for sponsoring the Hole-in-One contest; John Cameron of Cameron Engineering for sponsoring the Brunch; Scott Paternoster of Chief Media for sponsoring the Driving Range and the Caddies; Jerry Wood for sponsoring the Texas Hold’em Tournament;  Rob MacInnis for sponsoring the Premium Cigars; and Fritz Masotta of Craftsmen Construction for sponsoring the Putting Green.

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