Senator Alesi And Penfield Kiwanis Secure Funding For Children’s Hospital

Senator Jim Alesi (R- Perinton) today announced in conjunction with the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis Club, $12,500 in funding to benefit the new Pediatric Surgical Suite for the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong Memorial.

"The Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong is the only hospital in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region dedicated exclusively to the care of children. It was a pleasure to be able to assist this fine institution again this year," said Senator Alesi. "It is my hope that the funds secured, with the generous assistance of the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis Club, will help children and families of our region feel more at ease when it comes to surgical procedures."

This is the second time that Senator Alesi and the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis Club have partnered to assist the Children's Hospital. In January of 2006 Senator Alesi and the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis presented a check for the same amount to the hospital to help with the final construction cost for the Pediatric Surgical Suite.

This year, Senator Alesi was able to secure a $10,000 grant for the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis Club through the state legislature. This money along with $2,500 raised by the Kiwanis will be used to assist the newly completed Pediatric Surgical Suite within the Golisano Children's Hospital. The Surgical Suite officially opened in July of 2006.

"The great thing about the new pediatric surgical suite is that it is specifically designated for children." said Scott Rasmussen, Executive Director of Development and Community Affairs. "The disadvantage with the current suite is that it is used for both children and adults. As you can imagine, this can be quite a frightening experience for young children. The goal of the new suite is to make the children more at ease with their surroundings as well as allowing the parents to have more access throughout the procedure."

More than 6,600 children undergo surgery each year while at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Currently, these children check in at the same reception desk as adults undergoing surgery, stay in the same waiting areas, and share the same pre-operative and post-operative recovery rooms. The needs of children are vastly different from those of adults, especially when it comes to being able to have their families at their bedside right up until surgery and as soon afterward as possible. This facility is necessary to make sure the hospital is able to provide the best care to children, and to ensure that our pediatric surgeons - many of whom are at the top of their field - have the best facilities in which to operate.

The new Pediatric Surgical Suite offers its own waiting room, designed exclusively for the use of children and their families. Colorfully painted and offering a variety of toys, this area provides an immediate sense of comfort to children and families who might be unsettled by the prospect of surgery. The facility also includes a child and family friendly pre-anesthesia area where parents are able to be with their child until just a few minutes before surgery begins.

"The Golisano Children's Hospital has become a groundbreaking facility in both research and pediatric health care in Upstate New York." said Senator Alesi. "The money presented today, with the help of the Penfield-Perinton Kiwanis Club, will ensure that children who are in need of surgical assistance will be able to receive treatment designed specifically for their needs."

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