Community Corner
Winthrop Event Rocks to Beat Pediatric Cancer
The Fifth Annual “Rock 2 Beat Pediatric Cancer” musical event rocked Molloy College’s Madison Theatre in Rockville Centre on Sunday, November 10, raising more than $33,000 for the Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital. A crowd of more than 250 pediatric cancer patients, families, donors, sponsors and friends gathered for a night of music, dining and dancing to benefit the Music Therapy Program at the CCFK.
CCFK Music therapist Glenn Schifano and “Jam Band,” a group of young cancer patients at the CCFK, created a dazzling musical program, igniting the event’s festivities with their signature style, with a supporting cast made up of the patients’ parents, called “Fam Band.” Carefully staged choreography accompanied by songs and lyrics written by the children, reflecting their personal experiences as cancer patients, brought the audience to its feet.
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An integral part of the CCFK’s care, Music Therapy uses imagination and critical thinking to reduce anxiety and enhance social skills, personal expression and self-esteem. “Music plays an integral role in our everyday lives, but for kids with cancer, it becomes a moveable feast that guides their journey from darkness back into the light,” said Mr. Schifano.
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CCFK Pediatric Development Manager Linda Sweeney and Development Specialist Ashley Carlo warmly acknowledged the philanthropy that made Rock2Beat possible, and praised the children (and their parents) for their amazing courage and theatrical talent. “What you see here tonight is the heart and soul of Music Therapy,” said Ms. Sweeney of the event. “It touches the entire family as it heals and celebrates the human spirit.”
The Cancer Center for Kids, part of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop-University Hospital, is Nassau County’s largest outpatient facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders. The CCFK’s Music Therapy Program promotes health and well-being, helping patients and families cope with diagnosis and treatment through the universal language of music. Like most of the CCFK’s psychosocial programs, essential services are provided free of charge, and are not reimbursed by insurance or government subsidies.
For more information about the Music Therapy Program at the CCFK, visit www.winthrop.org/cck, or call Linda Sweeney at (516) 663-9400.
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