Visit to Staten Island University Hospital

Two things that I enjoy doing most as a titleholder are:

1. Spending time with the people in my community.

and

2. Finding ways to further expand my platform.

On April 15th, I got to do just that when I made a visit to Staten Island University Hospital. I had met Vivian Allestra, SIUH Child Life Specialist, at a previous visit to the hospital for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was thrilled when I asked to visit again. I assembled a craft basket to take with me and, armed with star, smile, and crown stickers, I was on my way.

When I arrived, I was personally escorted to the pediatric wing. It was pretty cool; kind of like having two personal bodyguards! Upstairs, I was greeted by Vivian and we caught up for a bit before visiting the kids. She explained that one little boy was having a hard time adjusting to being in the hospital. I decided to see if I could get him to cheer up.

For the first few minutes, Cole, an absolutely adorable 4-year-old, wanted nothing to do with me...until I pulled out a glittery blue star for him. That was all it took for us to become the best of friends. We watched Dora The Explorer (my favorite!) and he spoke Spanish to me. He totally stole my heart!

After taking a few hospital press pictures, we went on to visit several more patients. Our next stop was Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. I learned that the Children's Cancer Center is a part of Staten Island University Hospital's award-winning Nalitt Institute for Cancer and Blood-related Diseases. It focuses on advanced and personalized care for pediatric cancer patients who are now able to receive all of their diagnostic studies including biopsies and treatments in Staten Island, avoiding the burden of commuting to large centers further away. This will enhance family-centered care, including care for siblings, and help to maintain the normal schedules of family life and family structure, which would otherwise be disrupted. The center is directed by Dr. Sarah Vaiselbuh, MD, a pediatric specialist in childhood cancers and blood-related pediatric diseases who, along with her team, makes sure to keep up with continuing education on new trends and breakthroughs in the evolving field of childhood cancers.

As I walked through, I met several outpatients who were just as happy with my stickers as Cole! They were also thrilled to try on my crown, as was one particularly funny nurse! I was honored to meet and speak with a few of the pediatric oncologists. I learned so much from them about new trends and treatments for pediatric cancer and I am excited to say that I have plans in the works to partner with SIUH to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Center…stay tuned!

I would have loved to stay longer but I needed to get home to get ready for my second appearance of the day, cooking dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island! Thank you Vivian for having me, Cole for teaching me some Spanish and all of the doctors who took the time to expand my knowledge of my platform. It was an incredible morning!