They Share a Common Goal:
Providing the Best for the Community
In a recent visit to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center,
Smithtown, Stephanie J. Kahn, founder of the SJK Foundation,
a not-for-profit charitable agency, and New York State Senator
John J. Flanagan, presented the hospital and Nursing Home
with an audio book cart and an extensive library of recordings
on tape. The Listening Therapy Program, which is sponsored
by Senator Flanagan, is now available for all patients in
the hospital and Nursing Home, free of charge.
In April of 1972, while driving home from Manhattan’s
Lincoln Center with her husband, Ms. Kahn suffered a major
trauma. She and her husband were in a near fatal car accident,
which left her without eyesight. During her long recovery
in the hospital, she relied on a special program that distracted
her from the pain and fear that kept her up at night-audiocassette
books. From her own tragic experience, Ms. Kahn went on to
offer others the rewards she received from listening to the
recordings on tape by creating the Listening Therapy Program.
The growing library features bestsellers, Old Time Radio Shows,
books for children and young adults, inspirational, religious,
spiritual and
self-help titles.
As a center for healing, St. Catherine’s embraced the
idea of providing the Listening Therapy Program to its patients.
Many patients whose illnesses bring them to the hospital can
suffer with depression, sleeplessness and stress. The “talking
tapes” bring enjoyment, relaxation and a welcomed diversion
which, are essential to their attitude and recovery. The tapes
also offer a respite for the families and caregivers. Patients
can continue to receive the recordings on tape by mail, at
home, after discharge from the hospital.
Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer Sharon
Kennish said, “We understand how important listening
therapy can be for patients. The Listening Therapy Program
has filled the void for many. The books we now have available,
due to the generous donation of the SJK Foundation and the
support of Senator Flanagan, have brought our patients comfort,
and a distraction from their illness. This, and other services
we offer, demonstrates the commitment and dedication we have
to our patients and we’re grateful for the support in
meeting their needs.”
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