ank you Long Island for your
support over the past twenty six years
and for voting for us for Best of LI
Local Charity 7 Years in A Row
John Theissen Children’s Foundation
It’s Our 27th Holiday Season
September 28, 1988 is a date that I will never forget. I learned that I had a large mass growing on my
Pituitary Gland, which is located at the base of my brain. I arrived home to find my mother and aunt crying.
They explained that the Cat scan that I had earlier that day revealed a large tumor. I asked how much longer
I had to live. Little did I know that the news I received on September 28, 1988 would change my life and
shape my future aspirations.
I was admitted to the hospital on December 8,1988 to prepare for the impending surgery on the following
day. A small girl wearing her pajamas and an infectious smile entered my room and intro-duced herself. The
spunky seven-year-old named Tasha was there receiving treatments for her own illness. Later I learned that
Tasha was often left at the hospital for weeks at a time without a single visit from a family member. The
hospital staff became her family.
Tasha was a welcome presence in my hospital room throughout my stay there. Her good-natured
innocence was uplifting. She did her best to make me smile and she checked in frequently to make certain
that I was comfortable. The nurses were amused and revealed that during my surgery Tasha was concerned
and insisted on frequent updates.
Days later, the pediatric patients and their families were being treated to a special holiday party wherein
each child would receive a gift. Tasha was expecting to attend the event with her family but sadly, they did
not fullfill their promise to her, Tasha’s excitement turned into tears and disappoint-ment. She was wearing
the party dress the nurses purchased for her when she shared her unhappi-ness with us. I wanted badly to
accompany her myself but I was still too weak. My mother offered to take her and Tasha was thrilled. She
enjoyed the festive event. When Santa asked her to select a present, she stated, “I would like the teddy bear
for my friend upstairs,” I felt fortunate to be that friend.
Tasha was released from the hospital and I never saw her again. I admired her positive attitude and
generous spirit. Her selfless act of kindness inspired a legacy of giving.
JOHN THEISSEN CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
P: (516) 679-5098 • (516) 679-TOYS
F: (516) 679-3338
Monetary donations can be sent to
John Theissen Children’s Foundation
1881 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh, New York 11793
Please make checks payable to JTCF
www.jtctorg
106 BETHPAGE BEST OF LONG ISLAND 2019 • VOTERS GUIDE • BESTOFLONGISLAND.COM
/www.jtctorg
/www.jtctorg
/BESTOFLONGISLAND.COM