The phrase “it takes a village” is certainly apt when it comes to the multitude of volunteers and supporters who help bring cheer to patients at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Indeed, employees from Jersey Physical Therapy and local On the Border restaurants have been working to raise awareness and donations for kids battling cancer at BMSCH. Both groups were referred to RWJUH by the Hugs for Brady Foundation, which supports programs, research, activities and toy donations for children and families facing a cancer diagnosis.
Recently, Jersey Physical Therapy owners, Dr. Marc Rubenstein, PT, DPT, OCS; Geoffrey Hunt, PT, OCS; and Sean Moore, PT, MPT, brought along two “Pajama Mobiles” filled with over 200 pairs of pajamas for patients aged 0 to 18 years. The pajamas featured superheroes and cartoon characters for the younger patients and bright, colorful patterns for our teens. “We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our Pajama Drive,” said Rubenstein. “We hope this drive brought a lot of smiles to the kids’ faces.”
In addition, staff from On the Border also brought along dozens of toys that were collected at holiday toy drives at various restaurant locations in the area. The initiative was led by North Brunswick employee Jackie Zipoy, whose “elves” have been distributing toys to local children’s hospitals over the last two months. Area Sales Manager, Adam Seltzer, participated in the toy drop-off as well, stating “We are so pleased to bring a little cheer to kids while in the hospital. We are looking forward to doing even more next year!”
Both groups were accompanied by Sherrie Wells, co-founder of the Hugs for Brady Foundation, for the exchange. Brian D. Agnew, Senior Vice President for Development accepted the donations on behalf of the RWJ University Hospital Foundation. “It is always a pleasure to acknowledge the incredible work of members of our community. In addition to providing much needed resources for our patients and families, their generosity also sets a great example for how we can all continue to support those most in need. We are grateful for this new partnership with Jersey Physical Therapy and On the Border, and we look forward to what the future will bring.”
Pictured here are: Ann Buttitta, Major Gifts Officer; Brian Agnew, Senior Vice President for Development; Pam Stone, RWJ; Adam Seltzer, Jackie Zipoy and colleague from On the Border; Sherrie Wells and a volunteer for Hugs for Brady Foundation; and Marc Rubenstein, Goeffrey Hunt, and Sean More from Jersey Physical Therapy.
Press Release is courtesy of Cheryl Lintner, Assistant Director of Donor Relations, RWJ University Health System
Toy and pajama drives, like this, not only bring in supplies to help brighten the day of a child battling cancer, they also raise awareness about this terrible disease.
- Childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded.
- Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the U.S.
- One in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer by the time they are 20 years old.
- Every year, an estimated 250,000+ new cases of cancer affect children under the age of 20 worldwide.
- Two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will have long lasting chronic conditions from treatment.
- Childhood cancer occurs regularly, randomly and spares no ethnic group; socioeconomic class; or geographic region. In the United States, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults is increasing at a greater rate than any other age group, except those over 65 years.
- Childhood cancer is not just one disease. It is made up of a dozen types and countless subtypes.
From buying custom built Brady Buggy® Wagons, computers, TVs and video games, to the funding of the New Jersey’s first pediatric hematology/oncology young investigator program; every dollar donated to the Hugs for Brady Foundation is spent in the pursuit to make the lives of children with cancer better.
Our non-profit organization serves people of all races, creeds, and religions. We do not discriminate. We merely support all causes concerning pediatric cancer. Hugs for Brady strives to make sure no child is turned away— no matter what their financial status or if they do not have health insurance. According to our calculations, it costs about $10,000 day to be a patient on the pediatric oncology floor. Please consider donating today.
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