Paterson, NJ [April 15, 2010] - On April 13, 2010, ArtWorks introduced Intensive Creative Artists in Residence (Intensive CAIR), a program that brings quality creative arts workshops in the hospital setting for children and young adults suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions and their families, to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ. Intensive CAIR workshop leaders are professional artists that are trained to work with the pediatric population in the hospital setting. Intensive CAIR enables individuals to engage in creative expression while confined to the hospital. Results have proven that collaborative creative arts activities serve to reduce stress and anxiety, decrease attention to pain and normalize the hospital experience for the young patients and their families.

ArtWorks launched the 12-month residency at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital which will target patients, ages 0-21, who are suffering from cancer, sickle cell, renal failure, cystic fibrosis, asthma, and Crohn’s disease among other medical conditions. Additionally, siblings and other family members are encouraged to participate in the workshops, fostering family-centered care and support. These workshops will include scrapbooking, mosaic art, photography, storytelling, puppet making and collage making among others. The artist-in-residence will conduct 4 hour weekly workshops and divide her time between working in a group setting and going bed-side. These activities will teach patients new skills, help them explore new materials, keep them active and give them opportunities to express and communicate their thoughts and experiences.

Pictured above (left to right) are: Robyn Ellenbogen, Artist-in-Residence, Intensive CAIR Program at SJCH; Daniela Mendelsohn, ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation, Founder and Executive Director; Kristen Schmicker, Programs Coordinator, ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation; Tiffany Shevchik, Child Life Specialist/Coordinator, Child Life Program, SJCH; Kristin Gerasimow, Child Life Specialist, SJCH; Joanna Czerwinski, Child Life Specialist, SJCH; Dina Manzo, Founder, the Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital; Jill Menell, MD, Chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, SJCH; Paddy Fallon, RN, CCRN, Pediatric Safety and Quality Coordinator, SJCH; Ruthanne Braddock, Director of Nursing, Maternal Child Health Services, St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center/St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

ArtWorks and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital have been working together for 7 years to bring innovative art therapy programs to young patients through the Child Life Program at the comprehensive state designated children’s hospital located at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson.  

ArtWorks has witnessed the profound impact the Intensive CAIR program has had on patients, their families and hospital staff. It encourages children to use the creative process as a vehicle for healing, communication, self-expression and personal development and provides them with an avenue to feel proud and uplifted; it offers families social opportunities to interact with other children and families in similar situations and take comfort in shared experiences; and it encourages interaction between patients and hospital staff in a forum that focuses on patients’ unique individual creativity rather then their illness.

This program is sponsored by The Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation.

Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital was established by Dina Manzo in 2007 to provide “Make a Wish”-type services to patients being treated for pediatric cancer and blood disorders, and has become an important resource to seriously ill pediatric patients and their families as they face lengthy treatment regimens.  Through improving quality of life for these children and their families during treatment, the Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital strives to improve outcomes for these patients.

Founded in 2002, ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation, was inspired by the life of Naomi Cohain. In July of 1994, at the age of 14, Naomi was diagnosed with bone cancer. With her world suddenly diminished, Naomi found herself separated from friends and extended family. Her creative moments became more and more significant. Art became an anchor of strength, a vehicle for self-expression, an emotional outlet and a source of comfort. In February of 1995, Naomi passed away at the tender age of 15. Naomi’s devotion to the importance of creative expression emphasizes the healing power of the arts. ArtWorks programs are interactive, educational and therapeutic and strive to empower children by recognizing their inspiring stories and maximizing access to all forms of creative self-expression. Hospitals and healthcare agencies in the New York Metropolitan area have come to depend on ArtWorks to provide their patients with the tools and motivation to awaken the creative spirit that enhances their lives and their time spent in and out of the hospital. ArtWorks ultimately provides children with the opportunity to channel their feelings and energy through a host of creative outlets, inspiring confident and creative young people.

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ, is an acute care state designated specialized children’s hospital known for its broad spectrum of advanced high quality pediatric services.  With a focus on caring for the “whole child”, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital offers the expertise of more than 200 Board-certified pediatricians specializing in 24 pediatric concentrations, nurses who have received the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence three consecutive times since 1999, and a skilled team of clinicians and support staff. For more information, visit www.StJosephsHealth.org or call 973.754.2500.