Sunrise on Wheels Brings Joy to Staten Island Pediatric Patients
The Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, run by the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, has introduced the Sunrise on Wheels program at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). This weekly program is designed to provide child cancer patients with a welcome distraction through engaging activities as they undergo treatment.
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“At SIUH, we are dedicated to providing not only the best medical care but also emotional and social support for our young patients,” said Eleny Romanos-Sirakis, MD, director of pediatric hematology/oncology at the Brian Halpin Pediatric Cancer Center. “The launch of Sunrise on Wheels brings an extra layer of comfort and joy to children undergoing treatment, allowing them to escape the hospital setting, even for a little while, and just enjoy being kids.”
This hospital program, designed to engage children as they wait for and receive treatment in pediatric oncology units began on February 24th at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, with a successful first visit.
Pediatric oncology and hematology patients participated in various activities, including a “trunk of fun” filled with games and crafts. These activities offered children a welcome distraction, gave parents a moment of relaxation, and allowed siblings to join in. The program will take place every Monday for four-hour sessions, providing children with engaging activities during their treatment.
“We’re thrilled to bring our Sunrise on Wheels program to pediatric cancer patients at Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC of Staten Island. “This partnership has been a long time coming, and we can’t wait to see the joy this will bring to children receiving cancer treatment.”
Through the partnership between The Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island and SIUH, pediatric cancer patients are able to take part in this program. This collaboration aims to bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to children facing difficult challenges.
“Sunrise on Wheels is an incredible program that gives children with cancer the opportunity to take their minds off their treatments in the hospital and just be kids,” said David Lutzker, Director of Sunrise Experience.
“Having Sunrise on Wheels at SIUH is truly a game-changer for our pediatric patients and their families,” explained Ann Marie Quinn, LCSW, senior social worker at Florina Cancer Center. “This program creates moments of happiness and relief during what can be a challenging time, and we are grateful to partner with Sunrise in bringing smiles and play to our hospital.”
The Sunrise on Wheels initiative plays an important role in these children’s lives, providing them with a welcome distraction and support each week.
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