Hello Beautiful People,
This past October, I was invited to the world premier of Louder Than Words at the Hamptons International Film Festival. Louder Than Words is the type of film that stays with you. It gives you perspective. It makes you see things differently. You can read more about my review here.
After the film, I knew I had to speak with the Fareri Family more. I knew that their story was perfect for the Movers & Shakers Q&A Series, and as the year comes to a close, and as we wonder about what the new year will have in store for us all, the Fareri family will remind one of what really matters…
I’m so happy that Brenda and John took the time to chat with me, about the hospital, about the film, and of course, about Maria.
Megan Minutillo: When people walk away from Louder Than Words, what do you hope they’ll take away with them?
Brenda and John Fareri: We hope they walk away inspired. We hope they listen to what people are telling them; we hope that they understand how love can inspire family and others. We hope they know Maria, about what she was like, about how she moved all of us. It’s amazing what children can do.
MM: Talk to us about the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. What does it offer patients?
BJF: When we were there, it was a typical 70s building. When we were there, there was no place to go to get bad news. Now, every room is a bedroom. Now, everyone works as a team. The hospital is home to the region’s only intensive care unit designed specifically for pediatric care. Our state-of-the-art, Level IV (most sophisticated) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the only one in the region. We provide developmentally appropriate activities to all of our patients in our pre-school, elementary and teen-aged activity rooms. Our Family Resource Center includes a library that serves as a respite area for parents and families as well as a portal to health and other information via Web-accessible computers. We are the headquarters for the Hudson Valley’s Regional Perinatal Center. Our hospital is one of only five American Lung Association sponsored Pediatric Asthma Clinical Research Centers in the United States. Our facilities include a specialized pediatric Hematology/Oncology center offering dedicated programs in bone marrow transplant and experimental chemotherapy, along with the most advanced therapies for sickle-cell diseases, thalassemia and other hematological disorders. We are the Pediatric Organ Transplant Center in the region. Needless to say – it’s not the same place as when we were there, as when Maria was a patient. Nobody is ever in the way. It’s an atmosphere love and care and warmth.
MM: What’s the motivation behind the movie?
BJF: Well, Maria always wanted to be a scientist, a movie star, and a mom. The hospital fulfills the scientist part, she is a mother to every child who walks through those doors, and now the film fulfills the movie star dream.
MM: Are there any future plans for the hospital?
BJF: We are aiming to build a Living Science Center – to teach students about nutrition and safety – general health, drinking and driving, STD’s, etc. We want to do it in a fun way, where you’ll be in a car simulator and see what happens when you have two too many drinks. Our goal is to fuse education and fun.
MM: In todays day in age, arts programs in schools are getting cut. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving arts education programs?
BJF: Arts are a phenomenal way for kids to express themselves, especially sick kids, It’s a great, healthy distraction. Arts can provide the greatest therapy in many situations, and the arts are a great way for all people, especially students, to express themselves.
MM: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
BJF: I [Brenda] would have to say my grandfather, Maria, and John. They all have very similar personalities. They taught me that bad things happen, but you carry on. You just have to.
Thank you, Brenda and John!
Live, Love, Learn,