Montefiore Medical Center closes out American Heart Month with a party

Montefiore Medical Center closed out American Heart Month with a party for pediatric patients with heart conditions.

News 12 Staff

Feb 28, 2020, 3:06 AM

Updated 1,513 days ago

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Montefiore Medical Center closed out American Heart Month with a party for pediatric patients with heart conditions.
It was a chance for the patients and their families to see their medical teams in a different environment from what they're used to. It's an annual party held to celebrate the heart health of their patients from past and present. All of the children that attend are either currently receiving or have received cardiac care at the children's hospital.
"We're really committed to our patients' lifespan," said party coordinator and social worker Suany Aquino-Chudavala.
Leahbella Sosa was only 6 months old when she had a heart transplant. Now at 2 1/2, she's dancing the night away at Montefiore Medical Center, where she was treated. "She loves music, she's friendly, she's happy, she's been through a lot," said her mother Dora Sosa.
Lisa Brandler, 26, says she had her heart transplant at 21 and comes back every year. "I love it. It's great energy and I like to see everyone that helped me through that hard time," said Brandler.
Doctors say the dancing, face painting, and even virtual reality showing 3D images of a heart is all worth it.


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