Scout Works to Bring Cheer to Young Cancer Patients

Paramus' Mark Cristaldi is on his way to earning rank as Eagle Scout by putting together a collection of art supplies for the children of Josephine's Garden at Hackensack University Medical Center who are undergoing cancer treatments.

Cristaldi is a member of Troop 142 of St. Joseph's Church in Oradell. He spent this past weekend collecting art supplies at three different stores in the community.

The Bergen Catholic High School student said he made out well with the collection. He handed out flyers outside JoAnn Fabrics, Brick Art Supplies and Stop & Shop which had a list of art supplies he was seeking for project such as crayons, markers and clipboards. Cristalidi says those that were not able to purchase the items, made monetary donations.

He plans to pack up string bags with the items and distribute them to the patients with the hopes that doing art projects will help take their mind off their treatments.

Josephine's Garden is a special part of HUMC's Joseph Sanzari Children's Hospital which was dedicated in memory of 8-year old Josephine Rispoli who died from a rare brain tumor.

Crispaldi said he was inspired to make the children of the hospital his focus when he had a chance meeting with the owner of Rispoli Bakery, of Emerson and Ridgefield Park, a bakery he had been going to for years.

When he learned of Josephine's story he knew he wanted to base his Eagle Scout project on the children at the hospital, he says.

The teen says he has been a scout since he was in the first grade.