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Auction proceeds will help purchase infusion chairs for University Hospital’s Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders

University Hospital is hoping to make chemotherapy treatments a bit more comfortable for its pediatric patients.

University Hospital’s “Little Gifts for Life Auction and Celebration,” to be held May 7 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Syracuse Radisson Plaza, will raise money for a number of pediatric cancer-related needs, but high on the wish list this year are recliners or, in hospital parlance, infusion chairs.

With space at a premium in the outpatient areas, infusion chairs can provide the optimum comfort for these young patients during their chemotherpy treatments, which can last several hours. Mobile recliners can provide a much-needed nap or a comfortable place to watch a video until treatment is completed.

The Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders sees approximately 120 patients each week. Most of these young patients receive chemotherapy during these visits-sometimes as frequently as five days a week. The center currently cares for more than 650 children with cancer, 80 children with serious blood disorders, and 45 children with sickle cell anemia.

Among the more than 1,000 items to be auctioned are a Daewoo automobile, Stickley rocking chair, juke box, Oriental rugs, original art work and weekend getaways. The evening’s festivities, which begin at 6:30 p.m. feature musical entertainment, light dinner fare and a cash bar. Tickets are $100 (patron level) and $50 (donor level).

University Hospital is the only hospital in Central New York to offer comprehensive pediatric services for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders including leukemia, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and solid tumors.

For reservations or more information about the event, call (315) 464-4416.