Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Visits St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Throws Valentine’s Party for Hematology/Oncology Patients

Keli Coughlin, Executive Director of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund (TC Jay Fund), and Rita Malie, Program Manager, brought volunteers to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital (SJCH) on Tuesday, February 12, to engage in play time activities with pediatric patients and have a Valentine’s Day party. Members of the TC Jay Fund crafted modeling clay sculptures and engaged in exciting conversations about favorite foods and animals as attendees happily ate cupcakes, drank hot chocolate and enjoyed their goody bags from the TC Jay Fund.

Jill Menell, MD, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, SJCH, said, “The kids and their parents had a great time. It was especially nice that one of our inpatients was able to participate. We really appreciate organizations like the TC Jay Fund that, in addition to their financial support, come to the Children’s Hospital and participate in activities with our patients and their families.”

In July 2012, the TC Jay Fund made a $20,000 grant to SJCH to be used by the unit’s social worker as an emergency fund for patients’ families who may have financial difficulties during treatment.

Ms. Coughlin also took the time to decorate and write words of encouragement on a “brick” to post on the wall of the play room on the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology floor and was welcomed as an official member of the SJCH community.

About the TC Jay Fund:
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation was created in 1996 in honor of Jay McGillis. Since its founding, the Jay Fund has evolved in size and scope helping thousands of families in Northeast Florida and the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan Area who are fighting childhood cancer. Our mission is to help families tackle childhood cancer by providing comprehensive financial, emotional and practical support. From diagnosis to recovery and beyond, we are part of the team, allowing parents to solely focus on their child’s well being. Our goal is to BE THERE for parents facing the unthinkable so they can be there for their families.

About St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital
Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ, is an acute care state designated specialized children’s hospital known for its broad spectrum of advanced high quality pediatric services. With a focus on caring for the “whole child,” St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital offers the expertise of more than 200 Board-certified pediatricians specializing in all major pediatric concentrations, nurses who have received the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence consistently since 1999, and a skilled team of clinicians and support staff. St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is a member of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. For more information, please visit our website, www.StJosephsHealth.org  or call 877.757.SJHS (7547).