HEALTH NOTES

Kids with cancer want hospital to be day at beach

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 03/30/06

STAFF REPORT

LONG BRANCH — Valerie Fund patients wanted their visits to the new Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch to seem like a day at the beach.

The March 18 dedication showed off that vision, according to a hospital news release.

The young patients were asked what they wanted to see when they came for treatment of cancer and blood disorders.

They came up with a beach theme, because the hospital is so close to the real beach. The treatment rooms reflect surfers, boats, waves and the like.

The package is "enchanting and whimsical environment of treatment rooms, waiting rooms, consult and play rooms, computer and educational spaces for patients and their families," the hospital said.

It has an infusion theater, with plasma-screen TV for a movielike experience. There also is a "soda shop," computer and educational space.

The Valerie Fund is the largest and most advanced pediatric oncology and hematology fund in the country, according to the hospital. Monmouth is one of seven fund hospitals in New Jersey that treat more than 5,000 children every year.

The release credits Marjorie Tedesco with being a donor who was the driving force behind the renovation. The children painted a mural at the center in recognition of her generosity.

Dawne Allynne, a recording artist from Long Branch, helped dedicate the resource center.