Cornerstone - Winter 2010 Issue 1 pdf - Saint Barnabas Medical ...

S a i n t B a r n a b a s M e d i c a l C e n t e r F o u n d a t i o n
Cuisine, Caring, and Kids –
Calabria’s Restaurant Hosts
Pediatric Benefit
Joseph and Dino Ottaiano, owners of Calabria’s
Restaurant in Livingston and John Gallucci,
President of JAG Physical Therapy hosted “A Night
for the Children” to benefit The John La Conti, MD
Child Life Fund at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
Since 1999, family, friends, and colleagues of John
La Conti, MD have been deeply committed to
honoring the memory of this talented and
much-loved pediatrician. Dr. La Conti’s memorial
fund supports music therapy, art therapy, and
developmental support for thousands of sick
children and their families. In addition, the
pediatric playroom and pre-operative tours are
supported by donations.
Gifts to Dr. La Conti's fund are critical to sustain
the Child Life Program which provides muchneeded
emotional support for hospitalized
children and those undergoing medical procedures
at Saint Barnabas. Most of all, this program brings
a little fun into the lives of children when they
need it most. Simply put, the Child Life Program
“lets kids be kids” despite the stress and fear
of hospitalization.
Ronald J. Del Mauro, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Saint Barnabas Health Care
System remarked, “Dr. La Conti was a dedicated
pediatrician and truly embodied the meaning of
health care.”
Denise Myers, left and
Carlton Myers, far right,
with Deborah Morrone-Colella and
Carla Andriola Patel
of the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Foundation.
For the
Myers Family,
Clowning Around is Serious Business
On a sunny day in June, Denise and Carlton Myers and
their two daughters hosted their 6th Annual Charity BBQ
and Basketball Tournament in support of the Valerie
Center at Saint Barnabas.
Once again, the Myers opened their home to more than
150 family and friends for a spirited game of basketball
to raise funds for children with cancer and blood
disorders. The day was filled with fun and friendship and
over $5,000 was raised to benefit Clown Care, a program
that features professional performers using mime, magic,
music, and general hilarity to delight Valerie Center kids
and other pediatric patients throughout Saint Barnabas.
Clown Care has changed the lives of many children with
cancer including one young patient who agreed to
continue chemotherapy only if the clowns were at his
side during treatment.
As the only hospital in New Jersey with
Clown Care, the Foundation thanks the
Myers family for supporting this
important program.
We also recognize the Myers for prior
contributions which enabled the hospital
to purchase waiting room furniture,
patient care equipment, and to
commission a child-friendly mural which
has transformed a Valerie Center
treatment room.
The Myers commitment to kids with
cancer and blood disorders is a heartfelt
tradition of caring.
To experience Dr. La Conti's legacy of love and the
magic of our Child Life Program, visit
saintbarnabasfoundation.org and click on Child
Life Program video.
We thank the Ottaiano family and Mr. Gallucci for
their generosity and for sharing our passion for
pediatric health.
Aria Myers, far left, enjoys raising funds for children in need
Joseph and Dino Ottaiano (far right and left,) owners of Calabria’s
Restaurant in Livingston and John Gallucci, President,
JAG Physical Therapy.