On International Childhood Cancer Day we delivered food from Eli’s Brick Oven Pizza in Hamden to the pediatric hematology/oncology floor for the patients, parents, and staff at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
The hospital food is pretty good, but it can get old. We wanted to provide something different for the families inpatient and reached out to our amazing friends at Eli’s. We want to thank Eli’s Brick Oven Pizza (and their fantastic manager, Matt Dance!) for their support and dedication to giving back to our community. Everyone was excited for the yummy pizza and pasta – it lifted spirits and filled bellies!
The delivery was so well received (see feedback below!) that we would like to continue to try to periodically deliver outside meals to the hematology/oncology and PICU units. We are working on developing a new program to coordinate bringing outside food from local restaurants into the hospital. In addition to maintaining our established Parent Plate Program, we hope to be able to provide at least one meal per month from local restaurants. We know it will be welcomed and appreciated by all of those staying in the hospital with their critically ill child. More details to come in the near future but, in the meantime, if you know of any restaurants that would like to donate food/meals, please send them our way or let us know!
Hello, my name is Sandy and I am currently at my child’s beside in room 7XX on 7W [hematology/oncology floor]. You know, one of the small rooms without a shower? I think you may know exactly where I am.
I want to thank you with all of my heart for the amazing dinner last night and for starting FFF. Oh my goodness, last night’s dinner was SUCH a treat and so good for my belly and heart.
Our 13 year old son . . . was diagnosed in October with osteosarcoma. We have three kids. I have been the one to stay at Yale while my husband holds down the fort. [My son’s] chemo is always inpatient, ranging from 2.5 to 10 days here in 7W. We are currently here during a chemo break, because he is neutropenic. This is our 4th day, and I don’t expect to leave soon.
I was SO excited to hear about FFF. I have been eating leftovers and side dishes for months, except when we splurge for delivery, which is easily $50 a pop. [My son] has chemo through June, so I will be benefiting first hand from your program.
Sandy, Parent
