On Tuesday, October 8th, HLF Young Ambassadors visited the New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital to hear from the outstanding professionals that help to directly treat sick children every single day.
Upon Arrival, YA’s were welcomed by the New York Presbyterian Team: Jon Liberatore, Adam Scally, and Chris Dempsey. The team enlightened Young Ambassadors about the history between the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation and the NY Presbyterian hospital. They told fond stories of the support Henrik and the foundation has had to offer.
Young ambassadors were then introduced to Dr. Max E. Lindeman, Director of Pediatric Palliative Care. Lindeman expressed his moving journey in becoming a Hospice & Palliative Medicine Internist. He spoke of his career in nursing and the impact it has had on patients and their families. His story was incredibly inspiring, especially for Young Ambassadors looking to pursue any career in the medical field. Lindeman’s years of hard work and commitment brought him the opportunity of being able to save so many lives.
Additionally, Michelle O’Hara, Director of Child Life, gave YA’s a detailed description of her daily job in comforting and bringing light to patients and their families during their stay at the hospital. O’Hara’s goal is to make the patients’ and families’ stay at NYP Hospital as comfortable as possible. She works to create events and games for the children to have a positive stay. This was heartwarming and motivating for YA’s, especially those hoping to work with children in the future.
Michelle O’Hara finishes the event by leading an activity in which YA’s were able to craft Birthday cards for actual patients at the hospital. At the NY Presbyterian Children’s Hospital, Child life specialists such as Michelle O’Hara make sure to celebrate every milestone and special day they can to make patients feel safe and loved. It was great for Young Ambassadors to take on O’Hara’s role in bringing happiness to hospital patients and learn about the essential roles of staff at NY Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.
