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2nd Annual Event for Pediatric Patients and their Siblings

On August 23, from 2 to 4 pm, The Brooklyn Hospital Center’s (TBHC) Child Life Program hosted an exciting and meaningful back-to-school event for the neighborhood’s school-age patients and their siblings.

In cooperation with Long Island University (LIU), the event was held at LIU’s Paramount Gym, 1 University Place in Brooklyn. Each child enjoyed a day of fun activities, food and music and left with a free backpack filled with September school supplies. The event was headed by Lori Lerma, Director of the Child Life Program at TBHC. “We want our kids and their brothers and sisters to succeed at school. Lack of the ability to cover the cost of supplies should not be a barrier to educational success. And we wanted them to have fun and know that we believe in them!” says Lerma.

Many community partners came together to raise money and fun to encourage the kids this year:

• The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds baseball team raised money for the supplies.

• Frankie’s Mission, an organization that assists families of children with cancer, donated the backpacks.

• Project Sunshine, a nonprofit organization that provides free educational, recreational and social programs to children and families living with medical challenges, provided arts and crafts (including “design your own pencil case”), a photo booth, and face painting.

• Musicians on Call, an organization that brings performers to the patient bedside, played music.

• The Brooklyn Library gave out library cards.

• Target on Fulton Street provided funds for snacks and beverages.

• enCourage Kids Foundation, which helps kids facing health challenges to be carefree kids, provided funds for decoration and snacks.