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December
17, 2003
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INSPIRED TEEN DONATES TO THE AUDREY HEPBURN CHILDREN’S HOUSE AT HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Mike Girardi of Franklin Lakes recently celebrated the beginning of his teenage years by helping a teen support group from The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House at Hackensack University Medical Center. In lieu of gifts, Mike requested donations at his 13th birthday party. He presented Julia A. DeBellis, M.D., FAAP, medical director of The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House and The Northern Regional Diagnostic Center for Child Abuse and Neglect with $150 he had received, in addition to T-shirts, backpacks, and a make-up kit for a Spa Night designated for the girls in the support group. “At 13, I have everything I need,” said Mike. “I brainstormed with my mom on ways to keep helping out the other kids.” Mike, and his older brother Paul, had helped to raise funds for The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House before through The Most Blessed Sacrament Elementary School in Franklin Lakes, and he had attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility. “Do you know how important it is to feel good about yourself? ” asked Dr. DeBellis of Mike during his presentation. “When you feel good, you can do more – and I want to thank you for your generosity that will help other kids to feel that way.” In 2002, the medical center dedicated the world’s first Audrey Hepburn Children’s House. A division of the Department of Pediatrics and The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at the medical center, The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House is a state-designated Regional Diagnostic Center for Child Abuse and Neglect. This three-story home uses a multi-disciplinary approach to investigation, diagnosis, and treatment of child abuse, through collaboration with law enforcement, The Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), and other child protection agencies. Treating more than 300 children annually the house was previously located in a converted residence adjacent to the medical center. For more information on how to support The Audrey Hepburn Children’s House, please call The Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation at (201) 996-3720. |
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