John can usually be found in one of the patient care areas of the cardiac unit, but has also made visits to the Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation and the Cardiac Services Heart Club."I love playing the harp, and it is how I make my living," John said. "Coming here and playing, though, helps keep me balanced - to play for the pure joy of playing."On a recent visit, after John finished playing a waltz, a patient's wife told her that hearing the music made her believe her husband would someday be well and waltzing again.Another patient, Roger Bell, said the music "makes me want to get up and dance." His wife, Frances, added, "I think it's a wonderful idea."Other patients enjoyed the music as well. "It's a really nice break in the day," said Mike Cavanagh. "There is only so much you can watch on TV or read, and this is such beautiful music."In addition to John, a pianist also performs regularly in the hospital lobby.
Autoimmune disorder support group
For anyone coping with an autoimmune disorder, the Nursing Education Department of Glen Cove Hospital is offering a free support group and lecture on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the hospital's Maxwell Board Room, 101 Saint Andrew's Lane, Glen Cove.The Autoimmune Support Group is open to anyone with an autoimmune disorder such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, type one diabetes, ulcerative colitis and other disorders. An autoimmune disorder attacks a person's immune system and body.A lecture will also be given by psychiatric nurse practitioner Carol Smith, of Glen Cove Hospital, titled, "Coping Strategies: Living with Autoimmune Disorder."For more information, call the group coordinator Larry Raynor, RN, of the hospital's Nursing Education Department, at (516) 674-7833.
Benefit for cancer center
Winthrop University Hospital's Cancer Center for Kids is the recipient of a generous donation from the New York Islanders and the Hockey Fights Cancer on-line auction.The National Hockey League sponsors the auction with its professional teams, which donate packages to the effort. Local children's cancer centers benefit. The New York Islanders raised $2,000 for Winthrop's Cancer Center.Heather Umen, director of community relations for Fan Development and Islanders Children's Foundation, said, "The Islanders made the decision to donate the full amount to [Winthrop's] cancer center to help kids with cancer right here on Long Island. We have been involved with Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids over the past several years and look forward to continuing our support and involvement in helping children on Long Island with cancer." For more information about Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids, call (516) 663-9404, or visit its Web site at www.creating-hope.com.
Coping with head/neck cancer
The Long Island Jewish Medical Center is presenting a free monthly lecture series for patients and their families on coping with head and neck cancer. The lecture will be on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at 270-05 76th Ave., New Hyde Park.For more information or to register, call Elizabeth Stevens, CSW, at (718) 470-4438, or Randi Goldfarb, CSW, at (718) 470-7033.
Hospital photo contest
North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset is holding its annual Auxiliary Photo Contest. Winning photos may become part of the hospital's permanent exhibition, brightening the atmosphere for patients, visitors and staff members.Sponsored by the hospital's auxiliary, the photo contest is open to all photographers. Entry deadline is Sept. 30. The fee is $5 per slide or color print. The first-, second- and third-prize winners will receive a complimentary print. In addition, all winning entries will be displayed in the hospital.Submissions can be mailed or hand-delivered. For more information and an entry form, contact: Auxiliary Photo Contest, North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, N.Y. 11030, or call (516) 562-4947.
