Few things are more frightening than finding out your child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, except perhaps not being able to be near them when they need you most. That's why a host of Western New York companies, individuals and organizations came together to demonstrate the strength of their combined commitment to help Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo care for seriously ill patients in 2004.

The Golf Tournament & Auction Committees, B&L Wholesale, Josephine Goodyear Committee, Festival of Trees Committee, and Rite-Aid each contributed toward the $1.2 million transformation of a traditional patient wing into a 22-bed, inpatient Hematology/Oncology Unit. This floor has been designed specifically to care for the needs of children diagnosed with cancer, blood disorders and other life-threatening medical conditions.

The Starlight-Starbright Foundation, in partnership with Toys R Us, also provided the funds that created the Unit's playroom - a haven where children can forget about being patients and just enjoy being kids for a few minutes each day.

In addition, Variety Club Tent #7 recently made a commitment to provide funding to furnish the new Unit with the most advanced technology and equipment available to complete this incredible project.

Most childhood cancers and blood disorders are diagnosed before a child is five years old. The new Unit offers special accommodations for these young patients with features important to the overall healing process, allowing families to stay together during periods of frequent or extended treatments.

Thanks to our caring community, Women & Children's Hospital is now even better equipped to provide an environment of caring and comfort to patients who are being treated for a variety of life-threatening illnesses from throughout the eight-county region of Western New York.

NOTE: The William D. McGuire Center for Hematology and Oncology at WCHOB was dedicated on October 19 in recognition of the many contributions Kaleida Health Chief Executive Officer William D. McGuire made to both the hospital and the WNY community.

Lion's Den Opens at WCHOB

A new interactive game and computer room for patients called the Lion's Den was officially opened at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo in August 2005. The Lion's Den, only the second of its kind in the country, is designed to be a place for children to find relief from the stress of having a serious illness or injury while they are in the hospital. The room features four Xbox game systems, personal computers with Internet access and a privacy pod with a web camera and monitor for video conferencing with friends and family who may be unable to visit.

Buffalo Sabres alumni Captain Pat LaFontaine, Sabres owner Tom Golisano and several team members were present at the opening, continuing the team's legacy of support for WCHOB. LaFontaine and his Companions in Courage Foundation were major contributors to the $300,000 necessary to build the Lion's Den, including funds raised during the 2004 Companions in Courage celebrity hockey tournament. Golisano and his wife Heather, as well as the entire Sabres organization, were also significant donors.

Raising Hope to Greater Heights New Helipad Opens

The Alfiero Family Helipad, located six stories high on top of the Alfiero Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, was officially opened on November 14 and is bringing hope to new heights for critically ill or injured children in need of immediate care.

Prior to having a helipad, critically sick and injured patients requiring helicopter transport to Women & Children's were first flown to Erie County Medical Center and then transferred to an ambulance that completed the journey.

"The helipad is clearly beneficial to critically ill or injured patients we receive who are the most at-risk and, therefore, can least afford any delays in receiving emergent care," said Kathleen Lillis, M.D., attending Emergency Department physician at Women & Children's.

Sal H. Alfiero and family generously donated the funds necessary to construct the helipad. Mr. Alfiero is a long-time community leader, supporter of the hospital and successful businessman who is the founder and former chairman of Mark IV Industries.