Little did we realize just how successful the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Program would be at the Albany Medical Center Children's Hospital!
K family members have gone from the duck race in the Hudson River to providing actual cash payments to the hospital totaling more than $625,000. Kiwanis, Circle K, Key and Builders Clubs in the Capital and Van Rensselaer Divisions continue to support this worthwhile project.
Having successfully completed our Trauma Unit pledge of $500,000, we were asked to help fund equipment for the Albany Medical Center's Neo-natal Unit. Kiwanians met this challenge in 2015, raising $50,000 allowing the hospital to purchase a very specialized incubator, fondly referred to as a Giraffe unit.
Our next project raised funds to allow the hospital to purchase brain scanning devices and software to improve care to babies in the Neo-natal unit. This was a $25,000 pledge.
Most recently, we participated in funding a portion of the new Children's Hospital Emergency Department. Our activity was recognized with signage on the door of a new treatment room within this new Department. This pledge was for $50,000.
Currently, due to COVID, things are very quiet, no Bells of Life, no golf tournaments, no pancake breakfasts, or other events. But we do have a Key Club and a Kiwanis club that are fundraising for our next project.
Since 1993, It has been an honor and a pleasure for me to serve so many New York District Governors and K Family heroes who continue to work so hard to see this program through!
Column Posted on Web Site January 13, 2021
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