Treasures for Patients Cancer Patients at Stony Brook Hospital Pediatrics Oncology Unit

Seeing With the Heart

Sixth grade Commack Middle School students spread holiday cheer for children with cancer at Stony Brook Hospital Pediatrics Oncology Unit by donating ‘treasures’ for those going through chemotherapy.

‘Treasures’ are small gifts that children pick from a ‘treasure chest’ to use while they are receiving treatments. These small gifts bring BIG cheer during a difficult time.

The most popular ‘loot’ included items like Slinkies, coloring books, stickers, card games, matchbox cars, and PlayDough.

Student Katelin Rippee (photo-right), attended her grandfather’s seasonal meeting of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and shared her desire to help. She raised over $400 in donations to purchase treasures for the Stony Brook children.

Treasure donations, along with gifts provided by the Commack Middle School faculty, were brought to the hospital through an annual wish granting program headed by Randi Seideman, sixth grade ELA and Science teacher. Over 60 staff members made children’s wishes come true, brightening their holiday season. One of Randi’s favorite quotes: “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Story & Photo by Brenda Lentsch