NEWSLETTER Spring 2015

Angela’s House offers programs and supports and will coordinate services to families who need care for their medically frail children at home. For children who cannot be cared for at home, Angela’s House I, II and III are specially designed homes that provide a warm environment with 24-hour nursing care to accommodate the children’s complex medical and physical needs.

Jake

This past December our beautiful son Jake lost his battle with a rare genetic disorder called Infantile Neuro Axonal Dystrophy. Jake was born “normal” but began showing signs of this disorder just over a year old. We were able to care for Jake at home with the help of Angela’s House and the Care At Home Program utill he was 15 years old. At this time his disorder had progressed and he needed 24 hour nursing care. It was a very difficult decision to move Jake out of our home where he had always lived with us and his younger siblings, Julia and Ricky. We agreed we would never place him anywhere but one of Angela’s Houses. When we got the call that there was an opening at the new Angela’s House III we knew it was the right time for Jake and our family. Angela’s House allowed us to visit Jake and spend quality time with him instead of taking care of his constant medical needs. The nurses, staff, children and their families became our second family. Our children loved visiting with Jake at the house and seeing everyone there, they still ask to visit.

This past April we were able to give back to Angela’s House by hosting a Comedy Night fundraiser at the Paramount. We will always be grateful to Bob Policastro and Angela’s House for everything they have done for our son Jake and our family.

God Bless,
Suzanne and Rick Spadalik

Holiday Party

Message from the Executive Director Bob Policastro

THANK YOU! When you look through this Newsletter you will understand why I feel compelled to express my gratitude to you. We could not fulfill our mission of assisting medically frail children without your support. I often tell people that at times when I first started advocating, how it often felt like very few people understood the world surrounding chronically ill children. Because of this, the awareness and support we received now is nothing short of a miracle.

There is a sensitive topic that most people would shy away from, but I need to mention it because of the several heroic acts we were recently parts of. The front cover has a story about one of our children that recently passed, and his family. His loss brought great pain to his family, but they unselfishly decided to hold a fundraiser to help other families. At our holiday party I had the pleasure to have a conversation with Lauren, whose doctors had explained that she had limited time left. She always strived to live her life by this motto; Happy, Positive & Healthy. She displayed this even in her small acts, such as when she handed me one of her bracelets and started to tell me a few jokes. At our Gala we had Emma Nelson’s family make a donation in her honor. One of my favorite photos I have is Emma on the pony with the dad holding her ventilator, her nurse on the other side of the pony and the matron guiding the horse down the path. In today’s world people often wonder where heroes are. I can tell you that I am blessed to see them all the time. We are very fortunate to have our holiday party sponsor Arthur Krantz from We Care for Kids, along with many volunteers and support from Local 25 in Hauppauge. This two day party continues to be an amazing event for the children and families we assist.

Come join us on Facebook, Twitter, and our website to learn about the exciting events and activities we do all year.

Thanks to Our Supporters

Save the Date: Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil

December 5th, 2015 – 4:00 PM at Eisenhower Park

For all families that have lost a child.

Angela’s House Spring Gala

Over 200 people attended our gala at the beautiful and newly renovated Watermill Caterers of Smithtown. The event always has a warm feel to it. We were happy to honor Ron and Robert Brigati for their amazing support hosting our Angela’s House Summer party for the children and families. Bill Powers from My Country 96.1 FM and Kimberly reenacted discussion they had on air when the station did a Marathon event for us. Thank you to the sponsors of the event Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Policastro, Vehicle Tracking Solutions, In Memory of Emma Nelson and Local 25 the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Your Gifts Make a Difference

Angela’s House uses public programs, grants and donations to assist families caring for their children with special health care needs that are medically fragile, chronically ill or living with a life threatening illness. Your donations and assistance with fundraising allows us to ease the financial burdens our families experience with the day-to-day care of these children. These funds are very important especially for children who need help right away but often must wait months to get assistance through public programs. These funds are used to purchase medical supplies, medical care, therapeutic equipment, and other items not covered by insurance. Below are a few of the families and children we assist in our programs.

My Country Cares For Angela’s House

JVC Broadcasting, My Country FM 96.1, held an all day fundraiser and raffle for Angela’s House. DJs Phathead and Bill Powers with some of the children that visited the studio during the event that helped to raise money and awareness for medically frail children.

RACE FOR

Signage Sponsorship donations available for the 2015 Racing Season

Serva Family Angela’s House Golf Outing

SAVE THESE DATES:

• Fishing Fundraiser – July 23, 2015 at 4pm, Sailing from Captree State Park, Fishing and Dinner
• Arthur & William J. Pace Memorial Golf Outing – August 24, 2015,Benefiting Angela’s House, Nissequogue Golf Club
• Alngela’s House Walk-A-Thon and family fun day – September 13th, 2015
• Follow us on Facebook or our website to see our upcoming events and activities

For more information, sponsorships or to register online, visit www.angelashouse.org or call 631-979-2620