Vol. 16, No. 2
Spring/Summer 2006
Winthrop Neurosurgeon Offers Patients Relief From Severe Chronic Pain With Neurostimulation
Bug Bite & Once Controversial Treatment Saves Father of Six
Winthrop's New Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease Center Offers State-Of-The-Art Treatment
Winthrop First NY Metro Hospital to Receive the ASA's Initial Performance Achievement Award
Fitness Program Gets Young Cancer Patients Back in the Game
Hagedorns' Extraordinary Gift Helps Make Miracles Grow Everyday
The Miracle Foundation Gives $50,000 in Support of Cancer Center for Kids
First Annual Mardi Gras Gala Benefits Cancer Education, Research and Support Services
Retired Bank Chairman's Exceptional Generosity Benefits Winthrop's Pediatric Facilities
A Smart Way to Give
Winthrop Attracts Newest Medical Talent To Residency Program
Gifts of Love for Winthrop's Littlest Patients
Cardiac Surgeon and Family Donate in Support of Heart Surgery Center Construction
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During a recent game of dodgeball, 11-
year-old Conor Lundy's shoulder was hit
hard where a metaport once sat during
cancer treatment. The game stopped as
he and his parents eyed each other, forgetting
that the port had been removed.
Conor quickly realized that he no
longer had to protect the once sensitive
area. With a big smile, he picked
up the ball and launched it across the
room. It was clear that he was okay
and definitely back in the game.
"It really takes a lot for us to stop
worrying and just let Conor be a kid
again," explained his father, John
Lundy. "He's been through so much
since being diagnosed at three that
it's hard to let go and encourage him
to be a typical pre-teen."
The Lundys' concern is understandable.
Conor has had to play catch-up
with his peers, both socially and physically,
since ending treatment in 2004.
"When he was sick, Conor was
inside a lot and didn't get a chance to
play with his buddies," explained Mr.
Lundy. "Afterwards, his level of physical
stamina was less than that of
other children's."
Looking to help their son rebuild
his strength, the Lundys spoke with
Conor's oncologist, Mark Weinblatt,
MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric
Oncology and Medical Director at
Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids.
Dr. Weinblatt suggested Conor enroll
in "Back in the Game," an innovative
strength and fitness program
designed to help former pediatric
cancer patients recover strength, balance,
flexibility and confidence.
Developed with the help of physical
fitness and medical professionals, the
new, 12-week program involves two,
one-hour weekly sessions that incorporates
agility, dexterity and speed
training at the Professional Athletic
Performance Center in Garden City.
"The Cancer Center for Kids
treats the whole person during and
after treatment," Dr. Weinblatt
explained. "The 'Back in the Game'
program helps kids--who have been
through a very exhausting time get
back on their feet. Working one-onone
with the child, the team improves
every aspect of their physical fitness
while boosting their confidence to get
involved in recreational activities following
cancer."
Peter Menges of Garden City conceived
"Back in the Game." Three
years ago, his eight-year-old son,
Bobby, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma,
the most common extracranial
cancer in infancy and childhood.
"The perception that young kids
quickly bounce back following chemo is
basically true," Mr. Menges explained.
"However, many of these kids still
require a more individualized and formalized
approach to help them regain
the coordination, strength and confidence
necessary to participate in
everyday sports. These are the areas
that are really impacted by cancer
treatments."
Fellow Garden City resident Rob
Panariello, co-owner of the Professional
Athletic Performance Center, along with
his colleagues, assisted with designing
"Back in the Game."
"This is the first and only program
of its kind," said Mr. Panariello. "We're
really tailoring the program to the
individual needs of each participant."
Stacey Leondis of the Foster
Foundation supported the launch of
the program by providing the initial
funding. She had her own lacrosse
season sidelined at 16 when she was
diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the
most common type of bone cancer.
"Both during and after treatment,
chemo and surgery had a marked effect
on my fitness and mobility," Ms. Leondis
explained. "I really would have benefited
from a program tailored to my personal
needs. 'Back in the Game' is filling a
real need for childhood cancer patients."
"Conor loves the program, and
he's gaining more confidence to eventually
get involved in group sports,"
explained Mr. Lundy. "Parents need
to encourage their kids to get out
there because after treatment ends,
children want a sense of normalcy in
their lives. 'Back in the Game' helps
them take that big step and get back
into a routine."
For more information about "Back
in the Game," contact Mr. Menges at
mengesfamily@msn.com or call (516)
747-7357. Those interested in learning
more about the Foster Foundation are
encouraged to visit www.fosterfoundation.
com. Or, to make a donation and
support the "Back in the Game" program,
please contact Maria Kavan,
Development Specialist, Cancer Center
for Kids, at (516) 663-9409.
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