NEWARK, NJ – May
8, 2007 - More than 100 children
who have undergone heart surgery or catheterization
and their families will be celebrating life at
a party in their honor on Friday, May 11, from
5-7 pm, that will be hosted by the Children’s
Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of
New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
“These youngsters, their siblings and parents
have shown a lot of courage,” explains Alicia
Erickson Zink, MSW, LSW, Pediatric Social Worker,
Children’s Heart Center. “A diagnosis
of congenital heart disease can be very isolating
for a family. The reunion brings together a whole
community of kids and families who can support
each other.”
Children born with congenital heart disease often
face many procedures and surgeries throughout their
childhood and beyond. One way Children’s
Heart Center helps a child through the process
is the new Bravery Beads Program. A colorful bead
is added to a necklace every time the child goes
through a procedure or test. The necklaces are
a tangible reminder of their accomplishments and
help them talk about and get through often difficult
treatments.
The reunion party will also launch Children’s
Heart Center’s new Family Support Network
that will match newly diagnosed families with veteran
families who have been through similar circumstances. “Often
times the best support is another parent who can
share their experience-- as well as the perspective
of time,” says Ms. Erickson Zink. The Center
will establish support groups for parents and children
and plans to build an on-line community to help
families stay connected.
Families will enjoy food and entertainment including
a magician, storyteller, games, gifts and face
painting.
Contact: Caren Malone
Public Relations and Marketing
Saint Barnabas Health Care System
973-322-4017
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