The William Floyd High School Medical Club has made its ninth annual donation to the Child Life Program at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. This year, the club contributed $500, bringing their total donations to over $5,100 since the initiative began.
Terri Randall, a science educator and advisor to the club, led students in presenting the donation to Michael Attard, a certified child life specialist from Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The presentation took place during a recent club meeting.
Michael Attard spoke with students about how their support benefits patients. “The Child Life program works to reduce the stress that pediatric patients and their families may encounter with illness, medical procedures and unfamiliar surroundings. The program gives children the opportunity to engage in everyday childhood activities, such as playing games or playing with toys, to help ease that anxiety. The program also provides therapeutic, educational and other recreational activities that help meet the unique emotional and developmental needs of children during their hospital stays,” he said.
According to hospital representatives, these donations assist in continuing efforts to provide comfort for pediatric patients during extended hospital stays by supporting services aimed at improving their emotional well-being.
Members of this year’s Medical Club include Fatima Hernandez (secretary), Courtney Petersen (vice president), Juliana Ruiz (president), Elif Akgun (PALS Liaison), and Ms. Terri Randall (advisor).
