Nesconset Dentists Pull In $15K for Children’s Hospital

A Nesconset dentistry practice has thrown its support behind a 3-year-old boy’s battle against cancer by fundraising for Stony Brook University Hospital.

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental raised $15,300 of honor of 3-year-old Landen Bohle, a Port Jefferson boy diagnosed with leukemia, that will go to Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital.

“They are not only helping my child now, but they are helping children of the future who will be diagnosed with leukemia and other terrible disease,” said Landen’s mother, Meghann Bohle. “It was incredibly touching they are going to do this in honor of my son.”

Bohle, a dental hygenist for the practice, started seeing signs Landen was ill in November 2012. He ran a 104-degree fever for five days, was crying in pain and often sleeping.

During a family trip to Kansas to celebrate Christmas, Landen was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was immediately started on 3 and a half year intensive treatment at Stony Brook University Hospital involving chemotherapy, spinal taps and blood transfusions.

Hearing of Landen’s battle, the Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry moved to support his family and other children diagnosed with childhood cancer.

“Stony Brook came to us looking to do fundraising for their children’s hospital. We were looking for a reason to fundraise for them,” said Dr. Marc Adelberg.

“Unfortunately, Landen came down with leukemia and Meghann is such a special part of our family. We saw this as an opportunity to blend support for both causes.”

For the past 6 months, the dentistry practice has solicited donations through its Facebook page, its Massapequa and Nesconset offices.

“They were generous when they heard we were raising money for pediatric cancer. Once they found out it was Meghann and her child involved, donations went through the roof,” said Ayne Holmes of Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric dentistry.

“Team Landen” was quickly formed by dentistry members competing in the Long Island Marathon and its 5K race. All sponsor donations were given to Stony Brook Long Island’s Children Hospital to help provide additional resources.

“They need more room, they need more facilities, they need more space,” Bohle said.

Since Landen has started treatment, Bohle said she’s seen crowded hospital rooms in the children’s floor at Stony Brook. She’s learned of families who are forced to travel to Cohen Children’s Medical Center for treatment.

Bohle was highly impressed by Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where Landen was first diagnosed, and hopes the donation will help create a similar place in Suffolk to help others like Landen.