Through the generosity of the newly established Small Comforts Foundation Ltd., Mrs. Candace Cima has established the Alex Cima TV/VCR Program at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca. The program is in honor of her husband, Alex, and for the benefit of medical center patients.

The purpose of the program is to provide patient entertainment and education. Through the foundation, Mrs. Cima, who is also a medical center volunteer, and member of the volunteer auxiliary board of directors, has generously donated fourteen TV/VCRs, two for each of the medical center's inpatient units. She will also provide a number of entertainment videos, with education videos to be purchased as the foundation funding allows.

The inspiration for the program came following several prolonged hospital stays by Candace's husband, Alex. "I was looking for a way to help lift the spirits of patients who may have to spend a long time in the hospital," Candace said. Alex and I both recognized that little things can mean a lot and having an entertaining video to watch may brighten someone's day.

Candace is now researching the need for both entertainment and educational videos and organizing the ongoing replacement and repair component of the program.  "The hope is that this first project by the Small Comforts Foundation will receive support from the community, which will in turn, allow us to continue working to make patients' hospital stays that much brighter," Candace said.

The Small Comforts Foundation Ltd. was created as a not-for-profit organization to fund and administer the Alex Cima TV/VCR Program for the medical center. All donations to the foundation are tax deductible. Donations in any amount are needed to purchase the TV/VCR units, tape libraries, and on going replacement and repair.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution can call (607) 257-6059 or email smallcomfs@aol.com or write: Small Comforts Foundation Ltd. , One Leslie Lane, Ithaca, New York 14850

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