Women's Club of Farmingdale Sews

July 26, 2025

Women’s Club of Farmingdale Sews

Whimsical Pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles

A hospital experience can be terrifying and traumatic for both a child and their family, many of whom experience moderate to severe symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While others strive to find a cure, Ryan’s Case for Smiles helps with the stress and emotional impact of illness with resources and tools to help families better understand and cope with the experience. Ryan’s Case for Smiles was founded in 2007 with a simple goal: to create and distribute whimsical pillowcases that give children an emotional boost and remind them that they are not defined by their illness.

Through the efforts of WCF Craft Committee Chair Barbara Hoerner, the club was made aware of the wonderful work of this non-profit organization. In addition to the whimsical pillowcases, Ryan’s Case for Smiles accepts handmade baby blankets, surgical caps and newborn hats. Throughout the club year, WCF members sewed, knitted and crocheted 57 colorful and whimsical pillowcases, 9 crocheted/knitted newborn hats, 19 surgical caps and 8 baby blankets. These members included Lynne Cahill, Nancy Carman, Angelina Dunlop, Gayle Garthwaithe, Barbara Hoerner, Ann Lomonte, and Maria Ortolani.

On July 15, a meeting was set up by Barbara Hoerner, with help from her daughters, Tracey DeTommaso and Jill Thornton to meet at Good Samaritan Hospital to deliver these donations. Jill Thornton, MS, RN, ANP, Professor/Academic Chair, Nursing, Suffolk County Community College, Eastern Campus, arranged for Nancy McNeill, EdD-MCH Director, Good Samaritan Hosp., to meet WCF President Lynda Leone, Maria Ortolani and Barbara at the entrance and take them for a brief tour of the pediatric unit and introduce the group to other staff members from this unit including: Susan Leggio (NM Mother Baby), Leah Spare-Krauss, (CNS NICY), Melissa Coon (MN PICU/PEDS), Janet Stevens, (CNL, CNE, L&D/AP/MFM), Danielle Patterson (Child Life Specialist) and Ericka Casteletti, (CNE, PICU/PEDS). All were so grateful for these colorful hand-made and much-needed items.

Research has shown that reducing stress minimizes trauma and improves outcomes. Ryan’s Case for Smiles has partnered with leading pediatric stress researchers to provide families with information, activities and tools to help make sense of the many different emotions, feelings and reactions they experience with the hope that these resources will provide helpful tips for taking care of themselves and their child, both in the hospital and after they return home.

For more information on Ryan’s Case for Smiles , please go to: caseforsmiles.app.neoncrm.com.

The Women’s Club of Farmingdale, a local 501-C-3 non-profit organization, is always interested in welcoming new members. For more information, please email: lyndaleone@gmail.com or jude523@aol.com. #IAMGFWC

submitted by Maria Ortolani, Publicity Chair