Cohen Children's Medical Center: One Step Together

Healthcare can have a huge impact on children’s mental and physical health, development, growth, and strength. As a medical student at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, I have contributed to many student organizational drives throughout my school year.  From these experiences, I am determined to help the children in our community during the tough times of the pandemic. Cohen Children’s Medical Center: One Step Together is a fundraiser that I have organized for our community to work as a team and advance the health of our children. Together, we can work together to help children heal and provide hope to families seeking medical care for the well-being of their children. 


The mission of this fundraiser is to help the pediatric patients at the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program services at inpatient units: adolescence, medical, surgical, hematological, oncology, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care; and out-patient units: emergency department, hematology/oncology clinic, ambulatory surgery, presurgical testing, eating disorder clinic and radiology. The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program Department functions solely on the donations made by community members. This fundraiser will help provide funds not only for the program’s needs but also items such as toddler/infant toys, select musical instruments, craft supplies, books, pre-school and school-age toys, and need-based items for teens. As the children and adolescents at CCMC are engaged in medical care, the program serves the pediatric patients with core activities that include developmentally appropriate play, medical play and preparation, art and music therapy, procedural support, and special events such as pet therapy, movies, arts and crafts, a hospital patient art gallery, and a horticulture program. From the perspective of a  young child/adolescent, being in the hospital can be stressful or even frightening especially at their age. In some cases, prolonged or repeated hospitalization, based on the child’s illness, can trigger emotional distress. 


It is for this reason why I am motivated to raise funds for the CCMC’s Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Program. Through the help of our community, it is widely appreciated for us to provide extra support and help pediatric patients at CCMC feel cared for. It is important that hope is not questionable but shall serve as a path to get through tough times. As stated by the CCMC, “When a child’s life hangs in the balance, every second counts. For the best pediatric medical care, every donation counts.” Please support this fundraiser to provide care, hope, and well-being to the children at Cohen Children’s Medical Center at New Hyde Park, NY.

With Best Regards,
Aarthi Sridhar, Osteopathic Medical Student I