Here's how you can help!
Yesterday, our team visited the Hope & Heroes Fund at the Columbia University Medical Center with a special gift:
100 Grandmas2share dolls were donated to children being treated for pediatric cancer.
Today, we learned that some children are already enjoying their new “grandmas", so it seems the donation has served its purpose.
Grandmas2share founder, Marguerite Spagnuolo feels everyone deserves the love of a Grandma. “We are hoping to bring the comfort and nurturing of a loving grandma to the kids...not only during their treatment. They will have them forever."
”We use toys throughout the year,” said Events and Outreach Manager Kathryn Leiby. “We call them treasures or rewards. If a patient is going through a difficult procedure of even if they are just having a difficult day, we like to give them something to make it a little easier and to lift their spirits.
The pediatric oncology division is the largest of its kind in the tri-state area and funds cutting-edge research. But donations can also go to very specific services ranging from massage therapy and aromatherapy sessions to “Hip Hats for Hair” - comfortable and fashionable wigs made from real human hair for kids undergoing chemotherapy.
“For these donor-directed funds, 100% of what you donate goes directly to the program you give to,” said Jeremy Shatan, the fund's Director of Development.
Although most of the patients had left for the day, on our tour we saw the chairs where children receive treatment lined up side by side. The children also receive free integrated therapies in the process that can range from acupuncture to yoga and massage therapy.
"There are many ways to donate, including funding transportation for patients to and from the hospital. If you are in treatment and have a compromised immune system, you should not be on public transportation,” Kathryn said. “This is a major issue for kids with pediatric cancer.”
With this information, Grandmas2Share has chosen to help fund private car services for children receiving outpatient treatment.
With the sale of each Grandmas2Share doll, $1.00 will be donated to this program.
For more information about donating, visit http://www.grandmas2share.com/about/ or contact Kathryn Leiby at 212-305-5010 at www.hopeandheroes.org.