Our Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant (BMT) team and in-patient oncology staff wished our patients and families a healthy and peaceful 2018 by spreading holiday cheer with a roaming cart filled with sweet treats.

Decked in gold, sparkles and smiles, our team visited patient rooms throughout the oncology hospital units offering our patients and families festive New Year décor, cookies, brownies, ice cream, as well as tea and coffee.

“Cancer can take its toll on the physical and emotional health of patients and their families. To see people’s smiling faces, even just in this moment, reminds us that the little things can truly make a big difference. We’re honored to be caring for our patients each and every day,” says Tracey Schonfeld, RN, Oncology Patient Care Director.

Some of our patients even got into the holidays spirit with us – taking photos of the team to send back home overseas and one patient joined us for a walk to help bring joy to other patients. “Faced with adversity, our patients show courage, character and perseverance,” says Tracey Schonfeld.

The celebration didn’t end there. We handed out sparkling apple cider at midnight so that everyone could toast to the New Year and to better health. Our patients are still talking about how wonderful the celebration was, and we are thrilled we could take a moment to help lift everyone’s spirits.

“It was a nice way to end the year, bringing joy, and creating connections with our patients and their families. It meant so much to the teams and helped us to refocus on what’s important for our patients and for us in our own lives – joy, laughter and connections. It reminded us all why we chose to be in healthcare and renewed our spirits for the new year,” says Lara Scrimenti, MSSL, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Oncology Patient Care Director.

The Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian family wishes all of our patients peace and good health in 2018.