On Thursday, Dec. 19, the college’s Respiratory Care senior students held their annual holiday gift giving celebration for the pediatric residents of Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Niskayuna.
For the past 13 years, students and faculty have purchased, wrapped and delivered presents to the Pathway Center’s 30+ children, many of whom are permanently on ventilators to support their breathing. Each child at the center receives gifts from the faculty and students as well as additional toys for the day room and classroom such as art supplies, interactive toys, clothes and decorative blankets.
“All senior students in the Respiratory Care program rotate to complete some clinical education at the facility,” said Department Chair Patricia Hyland. “They get to know the children and the staff there. This has become an annual tradition for our department and a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.”
The annual tradition is funded through the generosity of students and faculty from the Respiratory Care program. This year, 13 senior students represented the class and took part in the celebration with the children.