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Medical devices, amenities for hospitalized children receive CNY Children's Miracle Network funding

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Pediatric cardiac apnea monitors, support for a clinic for children with autism and research into two life-threatening pediatric disorders are among the proposals that have been approved for funding by the allocations committee for the 2004 Children's Miracle Network (CMN) campaign. Since 1985, when the CMN was first presented in Central New York, nearly $12 million has been raised for children at University and Crouse hospitals as a result of CMN activities.

"The success of CMN lies in our community's commitment to ensure the health and well-being of our children," said Toni Gary, director of the CNY Children's Miracle Network. "We also recognize the generosity of our national partners, Wal-Mart/Sam's Clubs, McLane Northeast, Eckerd, Rite Aide, Kinney Drugs, Re/Max and Blockbuster Video, whose partnerships have made a significant difference in our local fundraising efforts."

All money raised through CMN remains in Central New York to benefit children who receive care at University Hospital and from University Hospital medical staff who also practice at Crouse hospital.

According to Thomas Welch, M.D., professor and chair of University Hospital's Department of Pediatrics, CMN funding supports the purchase of the newest advances in medical equipment; life-saving research initiatives; and educational programs for pediatric patients, their families and the community-at-large. "These funds also provide children with very basic items, such as books and games to keep them occupied while waiting for treatment," he said.

The total of all funds allocated from the 2004 campaign was $324,074. Below is a summary of some of the programs and projects that received funding.

- For renovation of space to create the Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, projected to open in August, and for clinic supplies. The clinic will be housed in renovated space within University Hospital's Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center on Bassett Road in Syracuse.

- A Uroflow Meter and a Bladder Scanner to measure bladder function in children were purchased for University Hospital's newly established Voiding Dysfunction in Children clinic.

- Six additional pediatric cardiac apnea monitors for University Hospital's general pediatric unit and for the hospital's Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders. These devices monitor the heart and respiratory rates for pediatric inpatients.

- Funds will be used to enhance the child life services at University Hospital's Pediatric and Adolescent Center located at University Health Care Center (UHCC).. Funds will also be used to purchase play tables for the waiting areas of UHCC's dental clinic, laboratory areas and for University Hospital's ophthalmology clinic and outpatient surgery center located at 550 Harrison Center, Syracuse.

- The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Crouse Hospital will receive funding to continue an education program for parents for enhancing normal development in their premature infants and provide education funds for the nursing staff in the newborn nursery and the NICU.

- University Hospital's Center for Children's Surgery received funding to produce a pre-operation educational videotape and to purchase toys for the center's pediatric patients.

- Funds will be used to purchase school supplies for University Hospital's "My Box of Things" program for children in foster care. This program is a model for other foster care providers throughout the nation.

- The Children's Miracle Network has funded the purchase of car seats for Crouse Hospital's "Crouse Cares with Car Seats" program for families-in-need.

- University Hospital's Joslin Center for Diabetes, for diabetes education materials for pediatric patients and their family members.

- Television and telephone service for pediatric patients in University Hospital's inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit. In addition, funding will also support the purchase of educational materials for University Hospital's Pediatric Emergency Room and for University Hospital's Center for Nutrition and Exercise to fight against childhood obesity.

- Non-invasive bilirubin assessment to check for jaundice in newborns.

- Two University Hospital research initiatives: one to further the understanding of the metastasis of osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bone that affects primarily children and adolescents; and the other to further the understanding of cardiomyopathies or diseases of the middle layer of the heart.

For a complete list of 2004 funded programs, call the Central New York Children's Miracle Network Office at 315-464-4416.

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