Mrs. Shifra Srolovitz, a child life specialist, came to speak to Yavneh Academy’s 7th-grade students about what how it feels to be a child facing illness. The students then decorated stuffed gorillas with pictures, jokes and, most importantly, inspirational and encouraging words. They were carefully trained as to what are “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to making sure their words were able to increase hope. This project was the culmination of a unit in Yavneh’s Advisory program called “When Life Gives You Lemons – Dealing with Adversity in Life,” where students learn the skills of coping with difficulties and challenges.

Yavneh seventh graders Stephanie Appelbaum, Shoshana Fogelman, Moshe Golubtchik and Brooke Newman accompanied Dr. Aliza Frohlich to visit the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at NYU Langone Medical Center. They met some of the young, brave patients personally, and hand-delivered the adorable gorillas. The look of excitement on the faces of the patients receiving the gorillas was inspirational to all. The visit most definitely made an impression on the Yavneh students that they will never forget.

A few hours after the students’ visit, the gorillas were then used in the hospital’s “Gorilla Hospital” activity, a type of “medical play” where the patients can explore different items used during their upcoming procedures in order to become familiar with equipment in a non-threatening way.

Yavneh Academy is extremely proud that its students have been able to play a role in this important program.