We are fortunate to have Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital in our community.
Colin Suskind, who is a member of the Downtown Jewish Center Community, is a patient there. Colin at age 2, was diagnosed with Minimal Change Disease Nephrotic Syndrome. He is now 3 and we are fortunate that the diagnosis will not have a long-term effect, but in the short-term (of his childhood) it does. This joyful little boy has to make frequent visits to the hospital and doctor’s office at Joe DiMaggio. He also has had to go through multiple treatments to prevent “relapses” from happening, which support his long-term of living a normal life.
The visits to Joe DiMaggio’s are always made a little easier for him and other children thanks to the incredible staff, resources, volunteers, and TOYS! The hospital has a room on the first floor called the Welcome Center, which families get to visit to pick out a toy and a book.
In addition to the Welcome Center, staff will bring toys to the children’s rooms while they are staying there in outpatient receiving treatment. It is a small gesture that makes Colin and these kids forget a little less about why we are there. We are sure other families feel similar and we know these toys come from people willing to donate.
Our family has hosted a holiday toy drive to help the kids of Joe DiMaggio who fight unfair fights! We welcome everyone to join us and the DJCC family to give back this holiday season! We hope to see you all there!