Stony Brook Children’s Plays Ball at the LI Ducks

Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Night returned to the Long Island Ducks Ballpark on June 18

The event, which included the Annual Kids Health and Safety Expo, was attended by more than 5,400 fans as the Ducks faced off against the Lancaster Stormers. The first 2,000 fans received a special co-branded Ducks and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital baseball cap. 

The Kids Health and Safety Expo featured 10 interactive exhibits and activities at tables led by more than 35 Stony Brook Medicine staff, students and volunteers. Activities included a finger casting demonstration by Child Life, tooth brushing tutorials from School of Dental Medicine faculty and students, and sun safety advice from nursing staff. In addition, respiratory therapists shared asthma education and demonstrated breathing exercises, while the Infectious Diseases team operated a Lyme Lab to teach the community about tick-borne illnesses. Andrew Handel, MD, a board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist, who led the Lyme Lab activity at the expo, also threw out the first pitch. 

The expo is coordinated by the University and Medicine Community Relations Office, in partnership with the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, the Department of Pediatrics and Stony Brook Medicine’s Marketing and Communications Office. 

“The Kids Health and Safety Expo has long marked the official start of summer for our office, and we hope that attendees feel prepared for a safe and healthy summer following the expo,” said Erika Karp, associate director of University and Medicine Community Relations. 

Continuing with the summer theme, the Pediatric Injury Prevention team featured water safety and drowning prevention activities for kids and information for families. Stony Brook Children’s Injury Prevention Professional Jamie Ryan said it is especially important to stay vigilant around water, particularly in environments like vacation homes and social gatherings where distractions are common. 

“There is no single action that prevents drowning,” Ryan said. “The safest approach is to build multiple layers of protection, including designating Water Watchers, four-sided pool fencing, life jackets, and swimming at lifeguarded beaches and pools whenever possible.” 

One of the volunteers at the Injury Prevention table was Emily P. from Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Troop 237, who is working toward achieving her Gold Award. Emily shared water safety information and demonstrated how to properly wear and fit a personal flotation device.

The evening also served as an opportunity for Stony Brook Children’s to showcase their Stony Brook pride. More than 400 tickets were distributed to volunteers, employees, friends and families, and Wolfie made a special appearance.