The Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK) at Winthrop-University Hospital received a very special gift eight years ago, and it's continued ever since.

"In 2006, the Miracle Foundation gave a generous gift to start the Child Life Program here at the Center," said Linda Sweeney, Pediatric Development Manager at Winthrop. "Their sustained philanthropy has made a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of patients and families during those years. We would not have a Child Life program without the Miracle Foundation's support."

(L.-R.) Kristen Rodriguez, Development Coordinator at Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids (CCFK); Ashley Carlo, Development Specialist at Winthrop's CCFK; Linda Sweeney, Pediatric Development Manager at Winthrop; Naomi Moskowitz-Brooks, MD; E. Ramone Segree, Vice President of Development at Winthrop; Patti Tenaglia, Co-Founder of the Miracle Foundation; Joseph Castronovo, President of the Miracle Foundation; Kim Krupa, Certified Child Life Specialist; Warren Rosenfeld, MD, Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Winthrop; and Barbara Shields, Project Coordinator at Winthrop's CCFK.

The Miracle Foundation officers Joseph Castronovo and Patti Tenaglia recently visited the CCFK to bestow a $50,000 grant, bringing the Garden City-based Foundation's total giving to the Center to $400,000.

"The Miracle Foundation has enabled the Center to offer services that are a benchmark of an integrated child health delivery system and an indicator of excellence in pediatric care," said Ms. Sweeney. "Part of an interdisciplinary and family-centered model of care, the CCFK's Child Life Program represents a true collaboration among family, physicians and the healthcare team."

The Miracle Foundation's generosity has also resulted in the education of college students regarding psychosocially sound and developmentally appropriate pediatric care. This past year, the Center's interns from Bank Street College found their roles enhanced when they became part of the Child Life Program, and learned more about the intricacies of their future profession.

"The Miracle Foundation has helped us reach a new level and create an institutional standard," said Ms. Sweeney. "Partnering with the Miracle Foundation, the CCFK continues to create a haven of comfort and care for its children and families."

To learn more about the Miracle Foundation, visit www.miraclefoundation.com. To learn more about Winthrop's CCFK, its programs and services, visit www.winthrop.org or 1-866-WINTHROP.