On Saturday, October 28, NYC Area Members and friends were thrilled to bring back the Malta Kids’ Circus to 50 residents of the ArchCare at Mother Cabrini Hospital after a hiatus due to Covid-era restrictions.   The Hospital (formerly called the Specialty Hospital for Children) is located at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center (TCC) in East Harlem and is home to children and young adults with serious developmental disabilities and other extraordinary medical needs.The TCC Auditorium was transformed into a Circus Big Top, replete with festive Circus decorations and Circus animal balloons. During the Circus, the residents, family members and TCC Staff were entertained by the vibrant music of the Squeaky Clean Band and a clown and juggler. The children and our Members participated in a Grand March and endless exuberant dancing. With their volunteer partners, the children also enjoyed fun group games such as Musical Wheelchairs and Pass the Bouncing Beach Ball.  Smiles and laughter and love abounded and it was wonderful to share Circus fun with these beautiful children of God. Many more great photos of the Circus and residents can be found on  ArchCare’s Facebook posting and a short video of the Circus is available here.

The Circus also provided an opportunity for our Members to tour the Mother Cabrini Hospital’s new, state-of-the-art facility, which recently opened and provides a beautiful new home for the residents. The NYC Area has a number of upcoming events at the Hospital, including Disney-themed and Christmas Sing-alongs and Holiday dinners. Volunteer opportunities are also available to work with the children and Recreational Therapists in daily therapy classes. If you are interested in learning more about the Mother Cabrini Hospital and volunteer opportunities, please contact Steve Bujno, KM at stevebujno1@gmail.com .