Past programs
Friends of Karen
JRF continued its commitment to provide funds to families in medical and financial crisis arising out of pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors through a grant to the Friends of Karen foundation.
Rise to Action- Conference for Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Fall 2007 brought with it a unique opportunity for young survivors of pediatric cancers including brain tumors to come together for a weekend of networking and education. Topics included information about late effects of treatment and follow up care, advocacy training, education and employment challenges, socialization, insurance and disability challenges. JRF provided funding as a bronze sponsor of this conference. Many large national groups and hospital participated in the planning and outreach of this conference.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Conference- Hope and Healing
Held at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, families were given the opportunity to learn about the latest treatments from medical professionals from around the country. JRF participated in funding this educational program.
Teen Survivor Intern Program
For 5 summers, JRF initiated and funded a paid summer internship program for teen brain tumor survivors living in the NYC area. This program has enabled teens to develop work skills, socialization, and self esteem development under the supervision of a Child Life Specialist.
Support at Beth Israel Hospital
The following is an excerpt from a letter written to the Foundation from Ruth Goodman, Clinical Coordinator of Beth Israel Dept. of Social Work:
This letter is to express my appreciation for the generosity you have shown to many of the families with whom I work at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery. As you know too well, the stress that the parents of a seriously ill child face cannot be ennumerated. So many of them also can't be fixed. Thankfully, due to the help of Jenna's Rainbow Foundation, some of the financial burdens that families face can be alleviated..... Your support not only helps practical issues and others, it also sends families the much needed message that they are not alone in their challenge. No words can ever express how important that message is.
Jenna's Rainbow Foundation had provided a meal program that delivered a child-friendly dinner one night per week to patients at Beth Israel. The response was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, one family who participated promised to independently sponsor another dinner for the rest of the entire floor. The food was served in the playroom, which encouraged children and their families to get out of their rooms, get together, share a laugh and a nice meal - two important elements in healing.
