Community February 06, 2008
The Holiday Wreath That Keeps on Giving – All Year
Even though 8-year-old Giovanni Maresca was a patient at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital over the holidays, he still has some very happy memories of his visit.
While here, he befriended several members of Protective Services and was even lucky enough to win the wreath Protective Services designed for the hospital's holiday wreath decorating contest.
"We enjoyed meeting Giovanni during his stay here," said Cookie Deline, dispatcher, Protective Services. "It is hard for a kid to be sick in the hospital, but to be here during the holidays is especially tough. We were happy to spend time with him and help cheer him up."
"It was a very difficult time for my son and we passed countless hours in the Atrium going over each wreath," said Tanya Maresca, Giovanni's mother, who explained he had been injured in an accident. "The Protective Services wreath was Giovanni's favorite because of its patriotic theme. So he was absolutely thrilled when he won the wreath in the raffle!"
Protective Services officer Joe Skibek, who helped design the wreath with co-workers Susann Matera and Sue Warden, explained that his department decided to use a patriotic theme this year because so many Protective Services staff members have military experience. It was a way to honor the troops, including a staff member who is currently serving in Iraq.
"You never know when you are going to have an impact on a child. We were happy we helped Giovanni," said Deline.
"Having this wreath at home is going to make me happy for the whole year!" exclaimed Giovanni.
Article originally appeared in the February 7, 2008 issue of the Bulletin employee newsletter (page 4)
http://www.ynhh.org/bulletin_archive/2008/020708_Bulletin.pdf
