Community Corner

Jay Gallagher Memorial Foundation Supports Cancer Center for Kids

This is the first year the Jay Gallagher Foundation has partnered with the Miracle Foundation and the Andy Foundation to support the CCFK.

The Jay Gallagher Memorial Foundation donated $45,000 to benefit the Kids Club Program at Winthrop-University Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK).

The funds will help expand the program’s current age levels to encompass 14-18 year olds in a specially developed "Big" Kids Club, and 6-7 year olds in a special Kids Club "internship" program to encourage socialization at a younger age.

Since 2005, Kids Club, one of the Center’s essential psychosocial programs, has provided a safe, supportive environment for the CCFK’s patients – whether they gather at the Center for pizza and music or participate in fun activities like painting pottery in a studio or going to New York City by limousine to see a show and have dinner.

This is the first year the Jay Gallagher Foundation has partnered with the Miracle Foundation and the Andy Foundation to support the CCFK. The Jay Gallagher Foundation sponsors a two-day lacrosse tournament hosting 120 teams from the northeast on Father’s Day weekend. The tournament raises funds and public awareness for the Andy Foundation, the Mollie Biggane Melanoma Foundation and the Miracle Foundation.

The tournament also hosts the Garden City Challenger Lacrosse program, which provides athletic opportunities for children with special needs. The Foundation memorializes Jay Gallagher, who graduated from Garden City High School in 1970, and passed away from melanoma at the age of 39.

The CCFK’s Kids Club agenda will remain "as is" for 8-14 year old patients, but thanks to the Jay Gallagher Foundation, the Center will be able to add a component to the original concept so that older children can take advantage of the many therapeutic activities created by the CCFK’s professional staff. Younger kids can become "interns" and the program can ultimately embrace a larger patient population.

“This contribution speaks to the generosity of spirit and kinship that defines our neighboring towns and villages. To experience an entire community coming together to support Winthrop’s CCFK is an inspiration to our kids, their families, and indeed, to all of us here at the Center,” said Linda Sweeney, pediatric development manager at the CCFK.

The Garden City Youth Lacrosse Program and the Jay Gallagher Memorial Foundation is hosting the 16th annual Jay Gallagher Memorial Tournament June 15-16 in Garden City.

For more information about the event, access the Foundation’s website at www.jaygallagherlaxtournament.com or contact Dr. Tony Randi at rjrandi@hotmail.com.

For additional information about the Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop, visit www.winthrop.org/cck or contact Linda Sweeney at 663-9400.

Submitted by Winthrop-University Hospital


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