The latest New Yorker of the Week understands there's more to healing than just medicine. Her creative spirit is lifting the spirits of children staying in the hospital. NY1's John Schiumo filed the following report.
This is Aimee Fink’s favorite part of her day: mornings at NYU Langone Medical Center.
It’s keeping her from her work as a real estate professional, but for Aimee, it’s worth it. The Queens native shares the joy of making jewelry with children during their stay in the hospital.
"I had some health issues when I was younger," Aimee says. "In the summers, going to camp, I was never the kid playing the sports. You could always find me in the arts and crafts room.” Now, you can find Aimee here every week, in the playroom or at a bedside with young New Yorkers.
She’s a volunteer with The Portable Playhouse. The nonprofit’s goal is to provide kids and their families with a healthy and uplifting distraction from illness through artistic expression.
"I put this lavender color bead because my mom loves lavender flowers," says Sean Bixler, who is staying in the hospital.
"It’s kind of a tough time being in here where they’re observing his seizures, so this was a great diversion for him to do something fun and creative," says David Bixler, Sean's father. "And it was great to see him kind of light up."
The Portable Playhouse brings more than creativity to the table. It’s a form of therapy. Kids strengthen fine motor skills, practice making choices and gain a sense of pride.
"Happy, special, smart, and I love doing arts and crafts," says Shatanya Clarke, who is staying in the hospital. "She’s funny, smart, and she like a grandma to me. Well, in a young way."
Since 2008, Aimee has visited hundreds of kids, ages 4 to 16.
"Aimee’s spirit is just the perfect spirit. She fits in just perfectly with the kids and what they need," says Stacey Schneider, senior creative arts therapist at NYU Langone Medical Center. "She’s willing to get down on their level. She's willing to do whatever they need to make something wonderful for them."
"You come in here and you see a child who you know has challenges and you know you made them happy. You walk out of here and you’re like, 'Wow.' Things that you think are so important are really not important," Aimee says. "It's such a good feeling to help somebody."
So, for stringing together happiness and health, Aimee Fink is the latest New Yorker of the Week.