Folks in the News

In photo, Giuliante family of Massapequa Park recently visited the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop-University Hospital to express their gratitude. Pictured (l.-r.) are Thomas Giuliante with daughter Jennifer; Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology and Director of the Cancer Center for Kids; Grace Ann Giuliante; Carin Giuliante and son, Christopher Giuliante. An outpouring of support from Thomas Giuliante of Massapequa Park, his family, friends and colleagues, has helped raise close to $20,000 for the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital.

Giuliante, whose daughter Jennifer was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor - the most common malignant tumor of the kidneys in children - and was treated at the CCFK three years ago, was so appreciative of the world-class care that his family received at Winthrop that he wanted to do something special to give back. As he recently prepared for the Long Island Gold Coast Triathlon, Mr. Giuliante asked those closest to him to support his efforts by making a donation to the CCFK. The generosity of the family, their loved ones and friends generated close to $20,000 for the CCFK's comprehensive psychosocial program, aimed at reducing the anxiety that often accompanies childhood cancer.

"I wanted to give back to the wonderful organization that treated my daughter and helped our family through a stressful time," said Mr. Giuliante.

The Cancer Center for Kids offers extensive support services for patients and families dealing with childhood cancer. Support groups and counseling for parents and siblings, arts and crafts and horticultural therapy, and a school re-entry program that helps children make the transition back after treatment are among the complementary services offered for free to families by the Center.

For more information about Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, call 516 663-9400.