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Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital benefits from more than $300K in unrestricted gifts

Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital benefits from more than $300K in unrestricted gifts

Fourteen patient care and research initiatives at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital received more than $300,000 in unrestricted gifts from 2012 fundraising events, donations and community campaigns, according to the Foundation for Upstate Medical University.

“For more than 28 years, contributions from our donors and sponsors have allowed Upstate’s Foundation to help fund pediatric programs at our children’s hospital, many of which would not have otherwise been supported,” said Toni Gary, director of community relations for the children’s hospital. “Their generosity has made such a difference in the lives of the 100,000 sick and injured children who are treated at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital each year.”

Gary says the gifts will support research in the areas of pediatric infectious diseases and orthopedic surgery, and will provide emergency help for families with extended stays and ongoing support of the Child Life Department, enabling staff to offer pediatric patients with movies, games, books, music therapy equipment, computer programs and other distraction items.

The gifts also will allow for the expansion of autism services, and support the work of the Safe Kids Coalition, nursing and medical staff development programs, the purchase of equipment for the pediatric surgery department, the Family Resource Center, the Family Advisory Council, and the art therapy program.

The unrestricted gifts came from direct contributions and community donations, including events held throughout the year by local businesses, individuals, community and school groups and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals sponsors.

The Foundation for Upstate Medical University distributes a request for proposals each year to all areas of Upstate’s Pediatrics Department, including research, outpatient clinics and services. The funded initiatives were ranked by need under the direction of Thomas Welch, M.D., professor and chair of Upstate’s Department of Pediatrics and medical director of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Funding was determined by an allocations outreach committee, comprising community and hospital pediatricians, pediatric staff members and community business leaders.

Caption: Child life specialist Rachel Hannon uses medical play to help three-year old A’Niyah understand the purpose of her IV. A’Niyah then uses her knowledge to take care of her “doll” patient. Medical play gives pediatric patients some control over their situation and environment while allowing them to become familiar with the medical equipment used in their care.

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