Ostomy, hyperalimentation, catheterization, tracheostomy. These are big words that few adults are even familiar with but for some families and children, they understand them all too well.
The Children’s Specialized Hospital in Roselle Park provides pediatric day care services for children with special medical needs such as those who are ventilator dependent, experience seizure disorders requiring emergency medication administration, live with moderate or severe persistent asthma requiring nebulizer treatments more than twice a day, require intermittent bladder catheterization, have diabetes, need tube feedings, or have pulmonary insufficiency requiring position, suctioning, and/or chest physical therapy. These children are cared for not only by their parents but also pediatric nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, teachers, a nutritionist, a pharmacist, a medical director, and a program manager.
And even though there are children who know these conditions and words associated with them, they also understand a smile, a friendly police officer, a gift, and Santa Claus.
Yesterday, the Roselle Park Police Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), along with Santa, paid a visit to the Children’s Specialized Hospital on West Westfield Avenue and donated toys. For a moment, the facility became a Winter Wonderland and children between the ages three months through five years old got treated to an early visit from Santa – along with some friends – who delivered presents to all the boys and girls.
For the officers, who at times are called to instances that expose them to the many sensitive – and sometimes dangerous – situations that may arise in the community, they experienced joy at bringing a smile to the faces of children who live with sensitive – and sometimes dangerous – conditions. It is safe to say that the officers got back more than they gave. As patrolman Greg Polanksi put it, “It was a great experience to give back and hang out with the kids for a little bit. Happy Holidays!”
The Children’s Specialized Hospital is located at 316 West Westfield Avenue.
(Pictured left to right: Patrolman Mitchell White, Patrolman Alexander Lanza, Patrolman Sam Sukool (kneeling), Patrolman Joseph DeQuarto, Patrolman Brian Macdonald (Santa), Patrolman Greg Polakoski , and Patrolman Brian Swick)
