By:John C. O'Connell
Persons afflicted with illness or visual impairment would otherwise find comfort from reading books or magazines, but their physical limitations rob them of that enjoyment.
But one organization, through the actions of many volunteers, bring the books and magazines and other materials alive to patients who otherwise couldn't avail themselves of them.
The Stephanie Joyce Kahn Foundation's SJK Listening Therapy Program is dedicated to the free distribution of audio cassette recordings of popular books, magazines, old-time-radio shows and inspirational material to hospital patients, nursing home residents and homebound individuals who are unable to read due to physical or visual limitations. People who use the program find enjoyment, comfort and diversion that often helps relieve stress, anxiety, depression and pain.
The program relies on volunteers to provide the service to those in need, and to other volunteers to help raise funds to support the foundation's ongoing efforts to continue and enhance the program.
Several such volunteers were honored at the SJK 2002 Special Angel Awards Dinner Dance Thursday night for helping hospital patients through their pain and suffering with the SJK Listening Program.
One such vol, Valerie Esposito of Valley Stream, tends to the reading and listening needs of patients at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre. Her many hours of visiting the sick and disabled with the hospital's reading and audiotape cart brings relief to many who would otherwise linger in darkness.
Esposito was presented with the Rosemarie Brenna Volunteer Recognition Award.
"Valerie Esposito is no stranger to volunteering and giving," said Master of Ceremony Joseph Carrello. "Her energy and generosity have earned her a special citation from the mayor of Valley Stream for her extraordinary community volunteer service. This is of course no surprise to anyone at Mercy Medical Center, which is fortunate enough to have Valerie as a loyal volunteer.
"It is also fortunate for the SJK Foundation that Valerie has chosen to take on the SJK Listening Therapy Program at this health-care facility as her personal project.... Valerie brightened the days of all who they came in contact with.
"On behalf of all the patients to whom she has brought a warm smile, genuine caring and relief from pain that plagues them, SJK salutes Valerie and thanks her for her dedication and devotion to improving the quality of life of others."
