What Makes Stone's Buddies Special? It's the people, of course. As a member, you are linked to dozens of other caregivers with similar experiences, but different points of view.

Owen Pieber, Featured Member

It’s rare to meet someone who captures your heart in an instant. Young Owen Pieber did just that. He battled medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer of the brain and spine and all of the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and countless medications.

Owen personifies, for all children, courage in the face of adversity, and we have all been touched by his incredible smile and inspired by his amazing spirit. Complete strangers have committed selfless acts to help children who are sick or hurt or suffering. The coach at Cardinal O’Hara rallied a school and a community. A woman listened to Owen’s story during Radiothon and came right over to the Hospital to empty her pockets and her heart – to help children. People send get well wishes - gifts and cards and prayers. And wonderful little girls donated their pennies to help Owen and so many like him. There are hundreds more stories just like this.

Owen, inspired his family – his brothers Seth and Anthony – who stocked the food shelves in the patient lounges so children would enjoy a treat when they woke up in the middle of the night and provided blankets so they wouldn’t get cold.

Throughout his visits and lengthy Hospital stays, he was never too sick to talk to us, share his hopes and wishes on video, enjoy a Stone’s Buddies party, light a tree or chat with a sports hero who wanted to meet him. Owen was able to meet the Power Rangers. Kimberly was his favorite and that meeting was very special indeed.

Owen knew there are other children who are sick at Women & Children’s Hospital and he would slip a few packets of gummy bears in his backpack to share with them – even though he could not eat them himself.

Although Owen is no longer with us his indomitable spirit remain in our hearts.

A Program Inspired by Parents and Family & Friends in memory of
Owen Pieber in support of patients with cancer, blood disorders & other
medical conditions at Women & Children’s Hospital

For Patients & Families of the Hematology/Oncology Unit 
Owen’s Toybox will provide support to patients of the Inpatient Cancer Care Unit and their families.  The “toybox” will be regularly filled with handheld games, books and other toys that will be presented to children for their use while in the Hospital and will go home with them following their stay.  Funds will provide magazine subscriptions and support a “wish list” of ideas submitted by hospital staff and through recommendations from families, as well. 

It is the wish of Owen’s Toybox to present a “care package” to families upon initial admission to the Hospital which will feature essential items for the family and child they might not have thought to bring with them.  Many families who experience prolonged and numerous stays will also receive complimentary meal tickets and parking vouchers courtesy of Owen’s Toybox.  This package could also include information about neighborhood restaurants, banks and service companies as well as information about overnight accommodations and services available at organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, etc.  We are currently looking for a service group that might want to undertake the project.

Gifts to Owen’s Toybox have already provided a computer for the playroom and several laptop computers and accessories are ordered for patient and family use.  The Toybox will also help to provide brochures, books, videos and other mechanisms available to support children and their families.   The Hospital will present a “wish list” of items that can be fulfilled on an as-needed basis.

For all Patients of Women & Children’s Hospital
Owen’s Toybox from time-to-time will fund in-hospital events for patients and families.  It could be as simple as a magician visiting the children or as big as a pizza party, movie night or other event designed for the children.  These events will be open to all in-hospital patients. 

In 2010, a special “scrapbook” will be provided to all Hospital patients, courtesy of friends, family and donors of Owen’s Toybox. 

The Future of Owen’s Toybox
Through generous ongoing contributions and fund raising programs, Owen’s Toybox will support the Hospital and its patients for many years to come.  This program will continue to encourage the idea that patients are able to have fun and be comforted, even during prolonged hospital stays.  This is what Owen had been able to do throughout his illness which included multiple lengthy stays at Women & Children’s Hospital.

Contact
Women & Children’s Hospital Child Life Department, Dena Sterns – 716-878-1870

Nicole, Mother of Carson

“I’m thankful for Stone’s Buddies. It has given my son so many wonderful opportunities that he normally wouldn’t have. Stone’s Buddies is unique because it isn’t geared just toward children with one specific illness or disease. All children with chronic illness are included.

Sometimes these children don’t seem to belong anywhere. There are many organizations out there for children with cancer, diabetes, CF, or Muscular dystrophy (just to name a few) but Stone’s Buddies stands on its own as an organization for everyone.

The people we have met have made such a difference in our lives. Some of the most memorable experiences in Carson’s life have been made possible because of Stone’s Buddies.”

Michelle, Mother of Mikey

“It’s tough to pack up all the equipment, emergency supplies and gear that go along with Mikey…but it’s all worth it to see our children enjoying themselves.

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me feel to know that my children will not feel alone or isolated in the life that goes along with raising a special needs child. They can continue to meet other kids in similar situations and relate.

The knowledge and confidence I’ve gained from talking to other parents makes me feel empowered to speak up and learn more. We’ve met so many truly amazing and wonderful people.”

Justin and Stone’s Buddies

“Our son Justin has been at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo since October 1, 2008. He was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 on October 23, 2008, a terminal genetic neuromuscular disease.

Justin is on a ventilator with a trach and has a G-tube for feeding. He cannot swallow so he can’t eat orally or get rid of secretions, so he needs to get suctioned constantly and needs respiratory treatments every 4 hours.

As one can tell, our road to recovery has been very rough and without Stone’s Buddies, we probably couldn’t make it through. The people in Stone’s Buddies have become a family. We go to Bandit’s games, and get our picture taken for stores, it’s wonderful.

It’s amazing all they have done for our family. All the way from donated toys, movies, and books, to the support we get from other members and the staff. Stone’s Buddies means a lot to us and we can never thank them enough for their continuous support. If Children’s Hospital didn’t have a program like this, not only would our family be lost, but I believe others’ would also.”