Together, we are transforming the lives of children with special healthcare needs.

100% of every donation to Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation supports the vital programs and services that are changing the lives of children with special healthcare needs.

Our patient's courageous stories will inspire you for years to come.

Vincent Baricaua

Donor

Vincent Baricaua was first introduced to Children’s Specialized Hospital 10 years ago during a RE/MAX (longtime Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner) awards ceremony. It was Vincent’s first year in real estate and he was eager to make an impact, achieve great things and win sales awards! He was immediately struck by the award for #1 fundraising office in NJ, “I turned to the people around me and told them that that had to be the coolest award to win one day and I will win it!” Since that day, Vincent’s RE/MAX Our Town office has been the #1 Fundraising Office time and time again!

Vincent’s commitment to raising funds for CSHF isn’t just about winning awards, “To me it’s spiritual,” says Vincent. “It’s growth and contribution. It’s giving kids a fighting chance. It’s helping families who are praying to God to make miracles happen. I want to help families make those miracles happen.”

VINCENT'S STORY

Luca Damas

Status Epilepticus

To meet Luca Damas today, you would never suspect the trauma that he experienced at just 14 months old. Now at age seven, Luca loves playing sports and video games, singing, dancing, yoga, and playing with his brother and new little sister. He is great at math and an excellent reader. His mother, Randy Cho, describes him as "all love."

Luca was a happy 14 month old baby-full of smiles and giggles and hitting every milestone for his age-until one night changed it all.

LUCA'S STORY

Colby Douglas

Down syndrome, COVID-19

"Devastated" is the word Gayle Douglas used to describe how she felt the moment she was told that her son needed to be intubated and placed on a ventilator. Colby, who lives with Down syndrome, had contracted COVID-19.

Colby had grown so extremely weak due to months on the vent that he was sent to Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) for rehabilitation therapies. Colby had been living with the devastating effects of COVID-19 for nearly three months. Yet within only three weeks at CSH, our doctors were able to remove his ventilator and trach - something previously thought impossible. Soon the Douglas family was celebrating milestones that Colby had first achieved in early childhood but lost due to COVID-19: speaking, eating, brushing teeth, getting dressed -- each day regaining his independence.

COLBY'S STORY

Eduardo Patino

Transposition of the Great Arteries

Eduardo was born with a condition called transposition of the great arteries, which is a rare but serious heart defect in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed. In the middle of a procedure to ease his condition, Eduardo suffered a heart attack and doctors told his family that they were not confident he would have a high quality of life. Today, thanks to services at CSH, Eduardo is "always on the go and always wants to be involved in what we're doing," says his mom. She adds that her son inspires her and those around her to view no obstacle as too large. She says, "With love, you can do anything".

EDUARDO'S FULL STORY

Howie Berkowitz

Donor

When Howie Berkowitz first learned about Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation several years ago, he instantly knew it was a charity he wanted to support- his spirit of giving was instilled in him at a very young age by his mother and father. As small business owners, his parents did not always have the means to give a lot, but no matter the circumstances they gave whatever they could, monetarily or with their time. Proud of their commitment to helping others, Howie has carried that spirit with him into adulthood.

HOWIE'S STORY

Leah Hansen

Spinal Cord Stroke

An outstanding third grade softball player known for her infectious smile and tenacity on the field, nine-year-old Leah was playing with her sister when she began to experience tingling in her fingers. Rushed to the emergency room, Leah remained in the hospital and was sedated for six days with no known prognosis.

Finally, there was a diagnosis: a spinal cord stroke. This is extremely rare. Only 2% of all strokes originate in the spinal cord and they are almost unheard of in young, healthy children.

LEAH'S STORY