Through their gift of love, Nina Jillian Rosenblatt's family is paying tribute to her memory. (Left to right) Her maternal grandfather, Saul Miller; paternal grandmother, Anita Rosenblatt; mother, Susan J. Miller (holding a portrait of Nina); father, Daryl Rosenblatt; and brothers, David, 11 1/2, Noah, 7, and Eric, 5.

A major gift from Nina's family has resulted in the Cancer Center for Kids' Ambulatory Suite's new designation. Nina's parents, Susan J. Miller and Daryl Rosenblatt, her three brothers, David, 11 1/2, Noah, 7, and Eric, 5, and her maternal grandfather, Saul Miller, know that their gesture cannot change the fact that 14-month-old Nina died of brain cancer eight years ago. But they hope that their gift will help other children in need of the excellent care afforded by the Center and its physicians, nurses, and support staff.

"We can't bring her back," said Susan Miller, "but we can do something to help other families whose children are sick."

During the course of Nina's treatment, the Rosenblatts formed many close bonds with the supportive and compassionate professionals who staff the Center. Through a fund-raising initiative known as Friends of the Cancer Center for Kids, the Rosenblatt family has continued to support efforts to create a non-threatening environment in which children with cancer and related blood disorders would feel safe while receiving state-of-the-art medical care.

"You can't eliminate blood tests and medical procedures," said Ms. Miller. "But the Cancer Center focuses on things that can make visits less threatening."

Toys, videotapes, puzzles, games, and art parties for patients and siblings are all part of the treatment experience at the Cancer Center for Kids. Warmth and friendliness are inherent in the way the physicians, nurses, and support staff approach children and interact with parents.

"We are extremely grateful to the Rosenblatt family for their generous gift, which will enable the Center to meet the needs of its growing patient base," said John P. Broder, Winthrop's Vice President - External Affairs and Development. "It is a special place for sick kids that will benefit greatly by this family's benevolence and extraordinary commitment to children with cancer."

"Out of their own loss has come the Rosenblatt family's commitment to helping other families in need," noted Mark Weinblatt, MD, Director, Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop, who was one of Nina's doctors. "This gift means a great deal to our patients, as well as to me personally."

For additional information on the Cancer Center for Kids, please call (516) 663-9409.

Maryann and Ralph Napolitano (left and right) presented a check on behalf of Jay’s World to Mark Weinblatt, MD, Director of the Cancer Center for Kids (center).

Jay's World was founded in 1997 by Maryann and Ralph Napolitano, following their son, Jason's, successful treatment for leukemia. To date, the Foundation has raised and donated more than $700,000 to support clinical programs in pediatric oncology. The Foundation also funds a unique Scholarship Program, which provides college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who are either cured, in remission, or able to attend college while undergoing treatment for cancer. For additional information on Jay's World Childhood Cancer Foundation, please call (516) 671-7410.