by Ava Mulno
For the past 25 years, Rady’s Children’s Ice Rink has been a great resource for Rady’s Children’s Hospital to create lasting memories for families and to collect donations that solely support their not-for-profit organization.
The profits of the ice rink go directly to the “Thriving After Cancer'' program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital. According to Carlos Delgado, Senior Media Relation’s Officer, the program is important for the community and for cancer research, and is designed to specifically serve patients who are two or more years post-therapy. Giving support to more than 500 children who are cancer survivors, Delago highlighted the Rady’s team and how they’re able to, “provide [cancer patients] with tools and education to advocate for themselves” and give patients hope to look forward to another holiday season.
Rady’s Hospital is the largest children’s hospital on the West Coast, as well as one of the nation’s top pediatric healthcare systems. The entirety of Rady Children’s is a nonprofit organization, relying on donations, like the money they get from the ice rink, to sustain their mission. Within their program the “Thriving After Cancer Clinic,'' about 80% of children who previously suffered from childhood cancer were treated. Their cure-rates have shown long-term successes.
The best way to support the hospital is to go down to the Central Promenade located in Liberty Station, and skate your way into the holiday season.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Rady Children’s and welcome the ice rink back to the Arts District in Liberty Station for its 8th year,” said Lisa Johnson, President, and CEO of NTC Foundation.
Johnson expressed her gratitude for their partnership, saying, "Its return kicks off the holiday season by bringing the community together for some holiday cheer while also helping San Diego families dealing with childhood cancer.”
The rink is scheduled to open starting November 17th and run until January 8th, opening in time for fall and winter breaks. Their hours are 10 A.M. to 10 P.M., seven days a week; however, the rink is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.