A Quarter Century of Care and Breakthroughs
If anyone thinks a hospital anniversary isn't important, they've never stepped inside the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) in the Bronx. Celebrating 25 years this October, CHAM has become a lifeline for more than 300,000 children, not just locally, but nationally, known for its ground-breaking clinical care and research. When you look at what they've done—including miraculous surgeries like separating conjoined twins and developing a comprehensive school health program—it's hard not to be in awe.
Milestones That Matter
Opened in 2001, CHAM has expanded its impact well beyond the typical confines of a children's hospital. With a flair for the extraordinary, they separated conjoined twins not once, but twice—first in 2004 with Carl and Clarence Aguirre, and then again in 2016 with Jadon and Anias McDonald. And don't think for a second these are isolated feats. Annually, CHAM medical teams care for 7,000 infants and kids, manage the healthcare of 60,000+ in outpatient clinics, and offer pioneering research.
"Whether children come for asthma care or a bone marrow transplant, we treat every child like family," underscores Dr. Michael D. Cabana, CHAM's Physician-in-Chief.
Extending Care Beyond Hospital Walls
CHAM's reach isn't just felt within its walls. Through the Montefiore School Health Program—hailed as the nation's largest school-based health initiative—staff extend their medical expertise into schools, covering a quarter of the Bronx's child population. And let's not forget their ties with community partners like PS 55 and BronxWorks, proving healthcare isn't confined to hospital rooms, but thrives where everyday life unfolds.
Support Networks Shine Bright
Celebrations over the month highlighted long-term supporters who enabled this pioneering work to flourish. These partnerships showcase a model where medical care meets community, a dynamic that's critical to CHAM's continued success. Integral partners like The Ruth Gottscho Kidney Foundation and Frost Valley YMCA Camp ensure even kids with chronic kidney disease don't miss out on life's memorable experiences like attending sleepaway camps. That's more than just medicine—that's care.
- Judy Gottscho-Eichinger & Reil Peerbooms: Craft experiences for children with kidney disease at a summer camp setting, thanks to CHAM's outreach.
- Luis Eladio Torres: Principal at PS 55, he provides comprehensive student healthcare onsite since 1983—yes, you read that right—enhancing learning with health services.
- BronxWorks: They’ve empowered countless Bronx families by addressing both medical and social needs.
- Niño de la Caridad Foundation: Founded by CHAM’s own Dr. Denise Núñez, it offers vital education and mentorship to local families.
A New Era of Mental Health Commitment
CHAM isn’t just about traditional healthcare. The fresh launch of the Montefiore Einstein Center for Children's Health, a state-of-the-art 21-bed psychiatric facility, is a leap forward. Inside its walls, over 160 children facing mental health challenges have found support. Partnering across disciplines—psychiatry, emergency medicine, and more—it's a space designed to nurture both patients and their families. With mental health being a growing concern, CHAM's forward-thinking approach marks a critical investment in the future well-being of our youth.
Community and Political Backing
Celebrations wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the political praise heaped on this healthcare beacon. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson lauded CHAM as a "beacon of hope." From the medical teams to the community partners, all played their part in making CHAM a sanctuary where medical miracles meet community. New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera echoed this sentiment, praising the institution's lasting impact on health outcomes in the Bronx and beyond.
CHAM has built an impressive reputation over 25 years, transforming into a cornerstone of pediatric excellence. It's not just their clinical prowess or research contributions that should be celebrated but their unwavering commitment to seeing every child as more than a patient—a family member. Here's to CHAM, setting the benchmark for what pediatric care can and should be.
