Paterson, NJ (August 13, 2009) – Since 2007, Project Ladybug has dedicated its fundraising efforts to providing support for the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital (SJCH) in Paterson, New Jersey, through direct program support, the purchase of toys, games, computers and other entertainments to ease the minds of young patients while undergoing painful or stressful treatment regimens.

Additionally, Project Ladybug has been providing young patients and their families with special trips to sporting events, local attractions, restaurants, and other morale-boosting activities to attempt to improve attitudes and outcomes for these patients and their families.

Project Ladybug also has held a “spa day” to provide the mothers of children being treated at SJCH with a much-needed day of pampering.  The group has also provided in-kind donations of party supplies, gifts, food, etc., to make birthday and holiday celebrations special.

Project Ladybug holds fundraisers throughout the year to raise money from the members’ local communities.  Proceeds from Project Ladybug’s events have been directed to the Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

Recently, Project Ladybug held a “Ladies Night Out” fundraiser at the Brownstone House in Paterson, NJ, which netted almost $80,000 to support the Ladybug Fund at SJCH.  A portion of proceeds from this year’s event will be utilized to fund two important projects at St. Joseph’s: the refurbishment of a treatment room for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology patients to make patients’ experiences more enjoyable and child-friendly; and the creation of a rooftop playground area to provide a much-needed space for all inpatient pediatric patients at St. Joseph’s to enjoy fresh air and physical activity.  The remainder of the proceeds will be used to continue to generally support the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program as described above.  Members of Project Ladybug presented a check to Liz Regula, Director of Development, St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center Foundation.  Pictured, from left, are: Cookie Rooney, Liz Regula, Dina Manzo, and Diana Ross.

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, an acute care specialized state designated children’s hospital at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and is a member of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System.  For more information about the programs and services of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, please visit our website, www.StJosephsHealth.org or call 877-757-SJHS (7547).