Winthrop-University Hospital's Cancer Center for Kids recently received a $10,000 grant from Charlie's Champions, a newly established foundation that generously raises funds to benefit the Center's services.

Garden City residents, Tara and John Schmitt, in the name of their 7-year-old son who was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2005 and is currently being treated at the Center, created the foundation.

An exceptional, state-of-the-science ambulatory facility, Winthrop's Cancer Center for Kids is where pediatric patients are given the best possible chance for recovery through superior medical care, constant nuturing and unconditional support. The Center's certified child life specialist, social workers and psychologists help the children deal with the unimaginable and carry on with their lives.

"After receiving the devastating news that our son had cancer, we immediately put Charlie under the quality, compassionate care of Dr. Mark Weinblatt and the Cancer Center for Kids," Mrs. Schmitt explained. "Now, one year since diagnosis, Charlie is in solid remission with two years left of treatment. We are truly blessed to have the Cancer Center for Kids in our backyard."

In early spring, the Foundation rallied support for its mission during three community events. The March "Rage in a Cage" paddle tennis tournament pitted 100 registrants against each other for a good cause. After its annual dinner, the Ladies' Platform Tennis League contributed $2,000 in support of the Foundation. And, as he trained for the Long Island Marathon, Mr. Schmitt raised donations from local credit unions that gladly lent a helping hand.

"We are so touched by the Schmitt family's kindness and incredible gift," Maria Kavan, development specialist, Cancer Center for Kids, said. "Their generosity enables our talented, dedicated staff to reach out to patients' families by continuing to provide our many valuable programs."

Mr. Schmitt added, "The Center has taken our son and family through the most difficult of times. For this we are grateful and passionate about creating and pursuing ways to continue funding this unique place of hope. And, we appreciate the heartfelt support from the community, our Foundation's loyal partners."

For more information about the Cancer Center for Kids, contact 663-9409. To support Charlie's Champions, visit www.charlieschampions.com.