Lets go back to June 22, 2022, when MWI had its first Philanthropy event in three years (how is that pos-sible?). But it was worth the wait. The event was in the Plainview Jewish Center and our host and caterer did an outstanding job. Not only was lunch delicious, but the wonderful lovely breakfast was a treat for both the eyes and the stomach. Of course, that was just the beginning.Per our usual philanthropic procedure, we donated to two non-profits and a stipend to a Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine medical student for research over the summer.
Variety Child Learning Center was one of the two charities. This is a non-profit that provides special education and support services to children and their families. The two learning centers are located in Syosset and Levittown. Both of the learning centers provide programs for children with developmental and learning disabilities with programs for children from birth to 8 years of age.
America’s Vet Dogs was our 2nd non-profit chosen for this year. This foundation was created in 2003 in response to the increased need for trained dogs to assist disabled veterans. The assistance that the dogs provide is help with daily life activities and serves as a bridge between disabled veterans and those around them. The dogs are bred, raised, and trained at a remarkable facility in Smithtown.
It was a pleasure to once again be able to support a medical student(s) in their efforts to do medical research without a fear of losing funding. Double pleasure was seeing Meridith Celantano and Alan Kelly, who gave us an update on what was happening at the Hofstra medical school. It was very impressive. In addition to our wonderful program, Joan Flynn who represented Island Harvest Food Bank, came to thank MWI for all our support during the acute pandemic time. She updated us about what is happening in relation to food insecurity today.When the philanthropy program was finished, Rabbi Jenn Weinstein did us the pleasure of installing all the board members for the years 2022/2023. This event was enjoyed by all, and, it allowed us to do what MWI does best...help others. It was a pleasure.
Judy Fischman, June Stelboum and Sharon Wallach
MWI has been a proud supporter of the summer intern research program at the Barbara and Donald Zucker School of Medicine since the medical school began in 2011. The medical school is a 4-year program based at Hofstra University. The only summer that the students have no classes is between their first and second year. At that time, some students opt to do research. Since this is not part of the curriculum, it is not funded by Hofstra. Funding comes from private donors like MWI.The goal of the program is for medical students to increase critical thinking, enhance their analytical thinking, to learn how to manage unexpected challenges, and to enhance their medical education.
Every year the students taking part in the program present their projects at Research Day. This year the program was held on zoom on November 2, 2022. MWI’s recipient of the summer intern research program was Chasm Alexandra Chigozie-Nwosu. Her project was”Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.” Prolapse is defined as the drop of pelvic organs due to muscle weakness. Most of her 692 subjects were over 60 years old. The infomation was gleaned from charts and interviews after an initial diagnosis by the doctor. One of the conclusions was that initially, African Americans elected a pessary to resolve the issue, Spanish speaking people elected surgery, and whites elected observation or physical therapy. Data collection for this project is still on going. Chasm Alexandra Chigozie-Nwosu plans to be continuing the investigation of the factors that influence patient choices.You can see the program by typing the following on your browser address line: https://hofstra1edu-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/connor_j_pilkington_hofstra_edu/EW-ZoVazosO1HmXuFtnuyLHYBHIqWdw0AlUtX-vqLXZWhxfQ Then enter the password: Research. (Note: case sensitive). MWI is excited to be investing in these future doctors as they do research and explore future career pos-sibilities.
Ava Gorkin and Susan Gould
Liaisons to Hofstra.
Recipients of MWI's grants to Hofstra Medical School for student summer internships, with June Stelboum and Lori Schonfeld.
June Stelboum and Sharon Wallach Vice Presidents, Philanthropy
