KPTC Albany

In the early 1990's, New York Kiwanians and members of its associated youth groups initiated its Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Program to establish statewide trauma units at hospitals located at Albany Medical Center, Buffalo Children's Hospital and at North Shore Hospital on Long Island. These hospitals were chosen as they embody their region's lifeline for access to advanced and specialized health care for children.
Capital Division and Van Rensselaer Divisions effort for this project includes fund raising $500,000 for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and most recently for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, both located at the Albany Medical Center.
During 2013, 800 premature and critically ill babies received care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The unit needed more space and needed more advanced technologies in life saving neonatal care while ensuring ample space for families to be with their babies at a very critical time.
The Kiwanis effort in this area began during 2012 as the result of a request from The Albany Medical Center for financial help to improve facilities and care for critically ill babies. The Kiwanis goal is to improve state-of-the-art technology through the purchase of multi-purpose beds affectionately known as the "giraffe." The giraffe envelopes tiny patients in warmth and comfort while continuously monitoring precious babies with life-saving technology. Each giraffe has a cost of $50,000. We hope to purchase as many of these units as possible!
This year the Capital and Van Rensselaer divisions along with their youth leadership groups dedicated the 2012 Bells of Life fundraising drive and other events including the Delmar Kiwanis Foundation annual golf tournament toward the purchase of a Giraffe Unit. During 2012 we raised $10,000. During 2013, so far, we've increased our efforts to a total of $20,000.
Credit for this effort must go to the entire K family in the Capital and Van Rensselaer divisions!

Column Posted on Web Site December 29, 2013