NUMC COMMEMORATES WORLD AIDS DAY

Nassau University Medical Center staff and friends commemorated World Aids Day by holding a Candle Lighting Memorial Service in memory of those who died of AIDS, in the auditorium in the presence of patients, families and friends and a dedication of two new benches in the AIDS Memorial Garden.

Following the candle lighting ceremony, the audience enjoyed musical selections by the Westbury High School Gospel Choir. The guest speaker for the memorial service was Reverend Eddie Jusino who talked about the great progress made in treating HIV patients. Dr. Steve Walerstein, Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Medical Director who also addressed the guests at this important day of awareness and remembrance, gave an overview on the history of the Aids epidemic and the significant progress that had been made in treatment modalities.

Friends of the Seidenberg Adler family also joined in the memorial service and dedicated two benches that they donated in memory of Susan Adler, in the AIDS Memorial Garden located outside the main building, near the Carman Avenue entrance. Ms. Adler, a former nurse in the Infectious Diseases Department at NUMC,   had died of cancer two years ago and who was very much loved by her HIV/AIDS patients and her fellow workers. The plaque on one of the benches reads: “Take a moment, have a seat, enjoy the garden” and the other one “Susan Seidenberg Adler, a friend of people with AIDS”.

Left to right:
On the keyboard: Benny Samuels
Drums: Eric Banks, Jr.
Director: Kelvin Jenkins