Photos courtesy Miller Children’s Hospital of Long Beach
3:15pm | Patients at the Miller Children’s Hospital and their families had a busy week, as some took to the skies for a jaunt around Long Beach in a private plane while others helped raise awareness and funding for cancer research.
On Wednesday, local Hyundai representatives presented Miller Children’s Hospital with a $40,000 check to support childhood cancer research projects, while some of the patients of the hospital’s Jonathon Jaques Children’s Cancer Center literally left their mark on Hyundai by dipping their hands in paint and stamping them onto a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe. Ten-year old Jason slaps one on, at right.
“It is so great to see what Hyundai is doing for children battling with cancer,” says Dr. Finklestein. “Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach is so grateful for this generous donation and I know that our patients are very grateful as well.”
The effort is part of the automaker’s Hyundai Hope On Wheels program for dealers around the country to celebrate the lives of children who are battling with cancer.
While major donations toward cancer research were made on the ground, some pediatric rehabilitation patients took to the air for an unforgettable experience.
Certified flight instructors guided patients with conditions such as brain injuries and neuromuscular disorders, as they breezed through downtown Long Beach to tour the Queen Mary and Palos Verdes before heading back to the Long Beach Airport. The children kept the plane straight during flight and were even taught how to turn the airfcraft.
Zach stays the course in the photo at right.
“It is so great seeing the patients outside of their normal rehabilitation setting,” said recreational therapist Mariana Sena. “The pure look of joy on their faces when they step off the plane makes me happy. We are thankful to the pilots and the California Flight Center for giving their time to provide our patients with such a wonderful activity.”
The annual event is a partnership between the Miller Children’s Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation Center and the Spirit of Suzi Foundation, which is a non-profit dedicated to bringing excitement and a love for flight to children.