[Skip to Content]

Books

A Second Set of Hands

a second set of hands

A Second Set of Hands, offering practical and spiritual help for parents with hospitalized children—written by parents of hospitalized children—has been published by the Pediatric Spiritual Care Advisory Council of SUNY Upstate Medical University and University Hospital with the help of a grant from the Wilbert Foundation. The book is distributed to the families of pediatric patients at University Hospital.

The book, which takes its title from a story told by Lou Farchione, MD, a member of the Pediatric Spiritual Care Advisory Council and a retired Syracuse pediatrician who described his approach to patient care as involving both his hands and "a second set of hands" from God, includes stories from parents about how their spiritual life helped them through their ordeal.

Along with heartwarming stories, the book offers practical advice for families. Sidebars and footnotes provide helpful tips and resources for managing stress, maintaining healthy family relationships, and balancing career and financial concerns—challenges that are unique to parents with children who have medical needs.

In Their Own Voices

in their own voices

In Their Own Voices, is a collection of the children's stories of hope. These stories were told to Eric Kingson on behalf of the Center for Spiritual Care, SUNY Upstate Medical University.

"This precious book is a reminder to adults about what is important in life. Don't suffer, grab a snuggle, get goofy. Fun, love, play, art, friends don't hide the horror. They simply show that they can be bigger than the suffering. What do you do for children with cancer? When you are with them, hold the pity, and play with them, enjoy yourself. You will find yourself invigorated."

Patch Adams, M.D., is a nationally known speaker on wellness, laughter, and humor as well as on health care and health care systems. Dr. Patch Adams is the real person behind the hit movie, "Patch Adams," starring Robin Williams.

A grant from the Wilbert Foundation provided money for the initial printing of A Second Set of Hands and generous support from the Weedsport Winter Wanderers Snowmobilers Club made In Their Own Voices possible.

Contributions are gratefully accepted so that we can reprint these books and continue to make them available to families of pediatric patients at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. If you would like to help, send your donation to:
Pediatric Spiritual Care Fund
c/o Center for Spiritual Care
University Hospital
750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
and earmark it "for reprinting of SSOH & Voices".

Top